The handing over of car keys to an adolescent is the symbol of freedom to many young Australians. Through this act independence is gained and a new world opened. But too many young adults misuse this power and the result of which is catastrophic. Lives are lost and families are broken. It is a deeply distressing trend that will not abate.

Many teens have the opinion that they are untouchable. When they see crashes on the news they merely respond that it won’t happen to them. Because they believe they are immune they push themselves trying to find the line and instead finding the blue line. For the lucky few wild drivers that are caught by the police before they can create havoc a second chance is given. For some, though, one mistake is one too many. Another reason for driving this way is an immaturity and general disregard for others. When one is speeding, driving while intoxicated or both one treats every other person’s well-being as irrelevant. It is stupid decisions like this that cause the deaths of a carful of teens and irreversible damage to lives.

In the aftermath of another horrific car crash police, politicians and everyone else are scratching their heads in an attempt to find a solution to minimize the casualties of the burning rubber. Limiting speeds in P-platers cars, introducing personal breathalysers have been bandied about but there really seems to be only one solution to stop this behaviour from occurring. It is up to the parents to train their children and instil good judgement. It is up to the driver to be more responsible and considerate of others. No amount of technology can force someone to make good decisions.