Teens are social creatures. Even the “outcasts” among us tend to find at least one friend to hang with, because we all NEED to be with other people, at least part of the time. Its in our DNA. However, sometimes we feel the need to change ourselves to fit in with the rest of the people in our social groups. Is it worth it? Does fitting in make us happy?
The #1 reason for being part of a crowd you don’t identify with is convenience.
Only 62% of adults feel that they are part of a community and only 15% of us end up in the same crowd as adults as we were in high school and college
Adults who turn to the internet to find a sense of community are happier than those who do not!
Respondents said that when they were in high school, 68 percent felt that their community represented them well and 56 percent said that their community was important to their overall happiness.
As adults, survey respondents overwhelmingly said their community represented their identity (93 percent) and 70 percent said their community was important to their overall happiness. So if you don’t feel you fit in now don’t worry about it…it gets much better when you get older!
Image courtesy of Yellowbrick
So what’s the takeaway?
Yes, fitting in to SOME kind of group makes us happy, and we will naturally try to do this all of our lives. It’s harder during younger years, but gets easier as we get older.
While we are in high school, we don’t have to be part of the super-popular group, like jocks and cheerleaders, but its important for each of us to find our tribe where we fit in somehow. This tribe will definitely change as we get older, and that’s okay!
Although most teens are decent people who try to help others, honor their parents’ wishes, and apply themselves intellectually, artistically, or athletically, some teenagers choose a bad path and commit crimes. The most common crimes committed by teenagers usually fall under the classification of juvenile misdemeanor crimes. Here are five of the top crimes that teens are most likely to commit:
Vandalism
Teenagers may think that vandalism is a minor offense and not a big deal, but the truth is that vandalism can come with a host of criminal charges. Defined as the deliberate destruction of private or public property, vandalism also includes graffiti and defacement of physical objects. In some places, even placing band stickers on telephone poles can land you in big trouble. Of the 5 most common crimes committed by teenagers, this one might not seem so important — but an area full of graffitti, broken windows, and scratched up utility boxes screams “get me out of here!” This means people who can, leave, and this often includes business owners who take jobs with them.
Alcohol Offenses
The legal drinking age in every state is 21. If a minor is found in possession of alcohol, stiff penalties can result regardless of whether or not the teenager was under the influence. The National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism explains that possible penalties may include suspension of one’s driver’s license, required community service hours, and monetary fines. Factors that may influence the level of punishment include prior convictions and the offender’s age. In addition to illegal drug use, this one of the most common crimes committed by teenagers tends to lead to other crimes due to mental deterioration and the lack of self-respect and care that comes with abusing substances.
Disorderly Conduct
According to this source, this type of criminal activity encompasses a wide variety of offenses including fighting, disturbing yelling and screaming, public intoxication, or anything that disrupts the peace. Because the crime is so general in scope, the punishment also varies depending on the severity of the crime. Most disorderly conduct crimes get prosecuted as misdemeanors. However, the more serious ones tend to be judged as a felony — think of rioting or interfering with police officers.
Larceny
Defined as theft of personal property, larceny is likely number one of most common crimes committed by teenagers everywhere. According to one lawyer, larceny is when there is “an unauthorized taking of property from another with the intent to permanently deprive that person of the property.” The image of the teen in the store shoplifting food or an electronic item is not just a stereotype–many fall into this temptation. Theft and burglary is a criminal offense in every state, meaning that teens need to treat this more seriously than just a rite of passage or something to make you look cool (it only makes you look cool to fellow deviants, and they never stay friends with you for long).
Assault and Battery
This crime can be defined as actual physical harm or merely the threat of the action. Even simply making another individual afraid can be just cause to press charges in some areas (yes, this means BULLYING). Assault can be classified as both nonverbal and verbal threats. For this reason, teenagers need to be especially careful about what they say to other people and take care that it not be construed as a form of assault, especially because teachers and parents are much more aware of bullying.
Although most teenagers are tried as juveniles, they could be tried as adults if they are over the age of 18 or if the crimes are more very serious in nature. Stop being brainwashed by thugs in music videos or TV shows who encourage you to commit crimes — they just want your money and your attention (clicks on their videos and social media posts), so don’t give them any.
Stupid driving habits can cost you. An auto accident occurs on U.S. roads every five seconds, resulting in more than six million crashes every year, according to Driver Knowledge. Many of these accidents cause considerable, life-altering damages for the individuals involved, with approximately three million injuries resulting. Sadly, 6% of those accidents, or about 90 per day, resulting in death. There is always an element of danger when driving a ton of metal on the roadways, but there are many precautions that can alleviate some of your risks. Whether or not illegal, vow to avoid dangerous activities when driving and keep yourself, those in the vehicle with you, and other drivers and pedestrians on the roads safe.
Playing Overly Loud Music
It may seem a bit silly, its a stupid driving habit to blast music beyond reasonable levels. Keep the music at a reasonable volume. It’s perfectly fine to turn on your favorite tunes and may even make the drive a little more tolerable. However, excessive decibels can damage your hearing and may result in a disturbing the peace ticket from law enforcement according to WEAU News. Excessive noise prevents you from hearing car horns and other important sounds that could potentially prevent an automobile accident. Not only that, but they’ve found that the louder the music in a car is, the more likely the driver is to speed or perform other dangerous actions. Keep the volume reasonable when driving!
Looking at Cell Phones or GPS
Looking at your cell phone is off-limits when driving and is probably the worst of the stupid driving habits. Texting while driving is illegal in many cities and states, just like talking on the cell while driving. According to Craig Swapp, “The list of possible driving distractions seems to grow every day. From cell phones to GPS systems, distractions in the car drastically increase the chance of accidents. If a driver was distracted when he or she caused your accident, he or she can be held legally responsible.” If something critical comes up while driving, then pull over in the nearest parking lot or onto the shoulder of the road to check your phone. The few minutes that it takes to pull over to check your phone can save a life!
Distracted by Passengers
When friends are in the car with you, make sure they aren’t too rowdy. It is hard to imagine that your friends and their happy moods could be dangerous, but if it becomes too distracting to focus on driving and the road, that is very well the scenario. Ensure everyone in the car is cool, calm, and collected before arriving at your destination and keep everyone safe!
Applying Makeup or Getting Dressed
It may seem a little over the top, but there are many people every day who get dressed in some way while driving to work or school. NPR states that, “27% of teens admit to sometimes changing clothes, putting on shoes, putting on makeup, changing out contact lenses, and even doing homework behind the wheel.” This is frankly unacceptable due to how distracted such actions can be. All it takes is one wrong action, and lives can be irreversibly changed or lost. Being a couple minutes late to work, class, or whatever else you’re going to is worth safety.
Driving While Tired or Drowsy
Never get behind the wheel of a car and drive if you’re sleepy or tired. In many places drowsy driving is considered illegal, but it’s not illegal everywhere. That being said, a study by the National Sleep Foundation found that drowsy driving and drunk driving are very similar in regards to reaction time and making the best choices in the event of a reaction needing to occur. Even though it may not be illegal it can be incredibly dangerous for yourself, others in the car with you, and other drivers on the road.
Check out some of our other articles on similar subjects!
Being involved in a car accident can range in their severity. Sometimes they can be simple and easy to resolve, more of an inconvenience than anything else. Other times, unfortunately, can be a much more traumatic experience. Car collision accidents are quite common today and chances are particularly high that you have been involved in such an accident in the past, or will be in one in the future. According to DKB LLP, “here is a list of some of the most common factors that lead to car wrecks: improper lane changing, failure to yield, texting while driving, speeding, distracted driving, poor road conditions, roadside construction sites, and defective car or motorcycle parts.” That’s quite a lot of small actions that can lead to terrible consequences.
Whether you are the one at fault, or the other motorist is to blame, many people do not know how to respond or act in the period after the collision. One of the most critical elements that you need to know when responding to accidents revolves around reacting well under pressure that comes with the thought of the damage, losses, and injuries that you may have suffered in the accident. It is important, therefore, to know the appropriate actions to take or not to take after a crash.
Stop your car and get out
The first thing that you should do after getting engaged in an accident is stopping your car. NOLO cautions that it is a crime, in almost all countries in the world, to drive off in the aftermath of an accident, irrespective of how minor it may be. After stopping, get out of the car and reach out to the other party that was involved in the collision. Staying in the car could pose additional risks upon your life as a car may explode into flames due to the flammable vapors that spill out of the fuel tank. Reaching out to the other party to determine their condition would help save their lives in case they have been badly injured.
Guard the scene and call the police
If the accident has occurred in the middle of the road, chances are that other motorists would not get to see the wrecks on time to avoid further collisions. It is therefore essential to guard the scene by taking numerous steps including setting the hazard signals on, lighting some flares and placing the lifesavers appropriately on the front and rear of the wrecks. This prevents further accidents by warning other motorists. After setting up, reach out to your phone and call the police on 911 to report your location, injuries, and other details that the police may inquire from you. This sets the police and ambulance on their way to attend to the accident. And according to Lawyers.com, this helps make the police report clearer and easier to use in the future.
Preserve evidence appropriately
The next measure you need to take involves protecting whatever evidence possible from the scene. DMV.org suggests, you can do this by taking pictures of the position of the two cars involved in the accident, taking a close photo of each of the cars to reveal the extents of damage, and the presence of any tire skid marks on the tarmac. Also, in case you have a car dashboard camera, take it and save the last few seconds leading up to the crash. Such evidence ensures that the police are appropriately advised on what happened and who was at fault.
Report to the insurance company
Make a phone call to your insurance company to inform them of the accident and brief them accordingly on any proceedings or evaluations from the police on site. The Balance explains, filing your claims with immediacy ensures that the insurance company can secure for you medical treatment arrangements to ensure that you are treated and released on time. It also sets in place the process of securing post-accident activities such as car repairs or reimbursement. The police would also write you a report which you can take to the insurance company for a follow-up on insurance claims, depending on the insurance company policies and the package you have secured.
You should not, however, settle for any payments made by the other party relating to the accident. This is because the payments may fall below the repair requirements that would be required of your car. You should also avoid signing any agreements or reports other than that which would be provided by the police.
Any accident scene can be scary and pose an immense pressure on you. Reacting well under pressure is perhaps the most important attribute that you should employ under such conditions. Under composure, you would be able to act accordingly to give the authorities an easy time to process the scene and issue a verdict.
If you’re looking for some more information, check out some of our other articles on similar topics from our blog! You can find those here and here.
In the world, money and power can cause people to behave poorly. Its hard to accept when adults tell young people to behave and be decent, honest people when adults display terrible behavior all the time — even so called role models like pop stars, attorneys, and news outlets.
The Dr. Luke/ Ke$ha drama which has played out in the media is a great example. Now, I don’t have a clue about Dr. Luke’s treatment of artists and the truth of the matter. The point of this article is to show how when powerful people in show business and the media want to destroy someone, they can coordinate and do so by putting out “news” that tells the story they want you to believe. They play with your emotions so you feel sympathy, even though they themselves might be guilty of doing wrong themselves (like Asia Argento, one of the leaders of the #metoo movement who supposedly sexually abused a 17 year old boy herself. Kind of a hypocrite maybe?)
Here is a statement from Dr. Luke’s legal team regarding the Kesha matter. Notice how, in the screenshots of the emails provided, there was no mention of getting justice for Ke$ha for supposedly being raped, but it was all about destroying Dr. Luke. I will leave it up to you to decide whether everything you heard about this case in the news, and all the crying and performances and all that was all just smoke and mirrors or whether it was true. But here is some evidence that maybe shows there was more behind the story than we were told. TEENS HAVE TO BE CAREFUL WHO THEY BELIEVE–YOU ARE THE FUTURE!
The statement follows in full:
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In 2014, Kesha filed a bogus Complaint against Dr. Luke – which she has voluntarily dismissed – falsely claiming that he drugged and raped her in 2005. Now, after four years of litigation, it is Dr. Luke’s defamation claim that remains. Evidence is now publicly available to show that Kesha’s Complaint was filed pursuant to a “Press Plan” and PR media blitz, designed to create the maximum negative public pressure on Dr. Luke in order to get him to give in to her contract demands.
Having done all of the damage publicizing her false claim of rape for years, Kesha now has asked Dr. Luke to not speak publicly about the evidence just being revealed… even though this is the first time Dr. Luke has the opportunity to do so with some of the actual facts. Ironic, indeed.
This is the true story Kesha did not want you to know.
By 2012, Kesha was a superstar with smash-hit records and huge success working with Dr. Luke. That year, Kesha wanted a new deal, and demanded more money and better contract terms.
When Dr. Luke did not agree to her contract terms, Kesha maliciously plotted to destroy Dr. Luke’s business and reputation to pressure him to give in. Kesha’s powerful managers, Jack Rovner and Ken Levitan, along with Irving Azoff, discussed in emails their “jihad” to “ruin” Dr. Luke “in the press” and “take down his business”. These documents obtained in litigation speak for themselves:
By 2014, Kesha was ramping up, changing entertainment lawyers and hiring litigator Mark Geragos to threaten Luke. They orchestrated a plan to create further pressure on Dr. Luke to change the terms of her deal. Kesha’s team created a self-titled “Press Plan” to give TMZ a Complaint accusing Dr. Luke of rape – which would thereafter be filed publicly. Kesha hoped that Luke – faced with these scandalous accusations – would promptly cave to her wishes. Kesha did not expect to have to prove her claim of rape – as she could not.
In the “Press Plan”, Kesha’s team embarked upon a self-described mission to “incit[e] a deluge of negative media attention and public pressure” to achieve the “maximum amount of negative publicity” against Dr. Luke. Kesha fought to conceal these documents in Luke’s defamation case, but she lost. These documents also speak for themselves.
What really happened on the night of October 5, 2005:
Kesha and Dr. Luke each attended a birthday party for Nicky Hilton at a nightclub in Hollywood, followed by an after-party at Paris Hilton’s home.
Kesha admits she voluntarily had at least four drinks while partying. Because she drank too much, she got sick, and threw up in Paris Hilton’s closet. Kesha was kicked out of the after-party because of her behavior. Dr. Luke was asked to help bring Kesha out of the party. As an act of kindness and to help Kesha, since Kesha had just vomited and was intoxicated, he escorted her out and offered to allow her to sleep in his hotel suite, which was only a few blocks away. Kesha slept on the bed in the hotel suite, while Dr. Luke separately slept on the couch. Dr. Luke testified, under oath and in great detail, that he did not have any sexual or physical contact with Kesha.
Kesha herself now testifies that she has absolutely no memory of engaging in any sexual activity with Dr. Luke or even of Dr. Luke being in the hotel room that night. Kesha has no memory of Dr. Luke engaging in inappropriate contact because it did not happen.
In her bogus Complaint against Dr. Luke, Kesha falsely claimed that Dr. Luke gave her a so-called “sober pill” supposedly causing her to “black-out”. She also claimed she told her mother about allegedly being drugged right away, in 2005. Her mother, however, testified Kesha did not tell her about any supposed “sober pills” until 2013/2014. That was when Kesha had begun plotting the press plan and lawsuit and threatening Dr. Luke to go public with her false rape allegations. Dr. Luke testified that he did not give Kesha any kind of drug that night.
The next day, Dr. Luke woke up on the couch and left the hotel suite, while Kesha kept sleeping on the bed. After waking up, Kesha spent hours in the hotel suite and even ordered room service.
Other critical documents and testimony remain under seal at Kesha’s insistence. When released, they will further reveal the fiction that Kesha created.
Kesha used to tell the truth about what happened on this night.
In a 2010 interview, Kesha recounted how she threw up in Paris Hilton’s closet due to mixing champagne, whiskey, and sushi.
Shortly after the night in question, Kesha and her mother co-wrote a zany comedy song about that night titled “Paris Hilton’s Closet.” That the Seberts made light of that night speaks volumes about what actually happened.
In 2011, Kesha was sued by a former manager and both Kesha and her mother testified in that case. They were each asked under oath about Kesha’s relationship with Dr. Luke, and their testimony establishes that Dr. Luke never made any sexual advance to Kesha – let alone raped her.
The truth about Katy Perry that Kesha didn’t want you to know….
The false narrative Kesha created about being raped became widely accepted, damaging Dr. Luke’s reputation irreparably. Compounding this malicious act, in 2016, Kesha told Lady Gaga that Dr. Luke raped Katy Perry, which is outrageous and untrue. Katy Perry testified under oath in this case that Dr. Luke never raped her. Regardless, Kesha refused to apologize. Instead, she issued a press release which again irresponsibly suggested that Katy Perry was actually raped by Dr. Luke. It seems that Kesha wanted to perpetuate the falsehood that Dr. Luke raped Katy Perry.
There is nothing worse than abuse and sexual assault. Dr. Luke supports any woman or man who seeks to address sexual abuse in the legal system. That is not what happened here. It is also horrendous to falsely accuse someone of a heinous act. That is what has happened here. Kesha’s voluntarily dismissed rape claim has caused great harm to Dr. Luke, his family, and his businesses.
What do you think? Was there a deliberate campaign by powerful people to ruin Dr. Luke that had nothing to do with sexually assaulting anyone?
Getting your first dog is a huge responsibility. Frequently, aspiring dog owners do not give it enough consideration. They rush into buying or adopting a dog, only to be caught unprepared for what dog ownership entails. Owning a dog is similar to having your first human baby. You have to walk them, train them, feed them, and make sure they are happy and content. Before going out to your local pet shelter, here are five things you need to know before you get a canine companion:
Breed
If you are adopting a dog, it is much trickier to know exactly what breed he/she is compared to when you are purchasing one from the store. Of course, the latter is ill-advised as it encourages and supports the ongoing operations of puppy mills. Either way, the dog breeds are essential to know as it helps determine what health complications they are prone to as they get older. Mutts, or mixed breeds, usually have fewer health issues than pedigree or purebred dogs. Smaller breeds, such as pugs and bulldogs, are prone to breathing problems, especially in the summertime, while larger and bonier dogs, like greyhounds and African ridgebacks, are more prone to hip dysplasia.
Dietary Restrictions
A dog’s diet can vastly differ. While you can get away with feeding your dog store-brand dry food or kibble, you’ll want to make sure they are getting the right and enough nutrition from their diet. Moreover, some dogs become allergic to some food, such as chicken or beef, in which case you will need to adjust his or her diet accordingly. The amount of food and the number of times you feed your beloved pup will invariably change. Due to biological and physiological differences in the design of a dog’s body compared to that of a human’s, dogs are also not allowed certain foods, such as grapes, chocolate, onions, bread, etc., as their digestive system cannot process it.
Vaccination
Whether you decide to adopt a puppy or a dog in his/her retirement years, you’ll need to make sure they have all the required vaccinations. Not only is this important for his/her health and the health of other dogs that he/she socializes with, but it’s also mandated by most if not all states, and failure to comply could lead to hefty fines. Between six to eight weeks, a puppy should be given vaccines for distemper, measles, and parainfluenza. Between 12 to 24 weeks, your puppy gets his/her rabies shots. Some vaccines are administered in multiple stages while others are required for re-administration every one to three years.
Socialization
Just like how humans need to socialize to function appropriately, dogs also require time with other dogs to achieve holistic health and growth. Without regular and positive social interactions, your dog can start forming aggressive habits and behaviors. As his/her owner, it’s your responsibility to make sure he/she gets enough time outside to socialize with people and other dogs. And because puppies still have high energy reserves, be prepared to invest an hour or two at the local dog run or public park.
Costs
The costs of owning a dog are similar to raising a child. Food alone can cost anywhere between $200 to $600 per month, more or less depending on what your dog’s diet is, such as kibble or human-grade food. To add to that, you will also be shelling out money for vaccinations and pet insurance. It makes sense to get pet insurance as your dog gets older as that’s the time when they start developing health complications and require regular checkups. The cost of pet insurance can range from $25 to $100 per month, depending on coverage. Supplies, such as poop bags, pee pads, and treats, can also rack up a steep bill over time.
Training
You can train your dog in basic commands, such as sit, stay, and come, either on your own or with the help of a professional trainer. The latter is a much faster way of training your puppy, especially if you don’t have the experience or the patience to do it yourself. However, keep in mind that it costs anywhere between $50 to $150 per hour to get a personal dog trainer. A healthy and happy dog requires structure and discipline that comes from regular training exercises.
Getting your first dog is a huge commitment. You’ll want to make sure you are mentally, physically, and financially prepared to take on the responsibilities that come with pet ownership.
Acne is the most common skin condition today, affecting nearly everyone at one time or another. While it can become serious and in some cases require medical treatment, many less aggressive types of acne can be treated at home. Instead of popping your pimple, which can cause other issues, or relying on chemical products that may do more harm than good, consider one of these all-natural treatments.
Honey and Cinnamon
Research into acne has found that it can be alleviated in many cases by merely increasing the level of antioxidants in the skin. Honey and cinnamon both have high levels of antioxidants that may help fight acne at a deeper level. They’re also natural anti-inflammatories, which may give them extra fighting power against the development of pimples. Combine two tablespoons of honey with a teaspoon of cinnamon and blend into a paste. After cleansing your skin, apply the paste and leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes. Rinse and pat dry.
Sea Buckthorn
While sea buckthorn is not something you might have heard of, it has been known to help with many types of health issues. One surprising problem it has been known to help with is acne. Sea Buckthorn has been known to keep your skin moisturized which can help counteract other acne treatments which occasionally result in dryer skin. It also has an effect on easing inflammation which can have a positive effect on improving acne redness.
Tea Tree Oil
This is an oil extracted from the Melaleuca alternifolia tree, found exclusively in Australia. It’s popular because it has properties that fight bacteria and alleviate inflammation in the body. According to research, applying just 5% tea tree oil to the skin can reduce the appearance and symptoms of acne within three months of use. It’s important to dilute the tea tree oil to just 5% because it’s very potent and may cause damage in higher concentrations.
Witch Hazel Extract
Taken from the witch hazel shrub, or the Hamamelis virginiana, this extract can also fight bacteria and relieve inflammation. In addition to acne, it can also be used to treat eczema, insect bites, burns, varicose veins, and bruises. To prepare it, place one tablespoon of witch hazel bark with one cup of water and allow it to soak for half an hour. Next, bring it to a boil and simmer for up to 10 minutes. Strain the mixture and store in a sealed container. Cotton balls should be used to apply the concoction to the skin one to two times per day.
Treating acne is important because it can worsen and become a more serious problem over time. While medications are effective, natural treatments can resolve the condition without adding additional contaminants to your skin. This may be particularly beneficial to individuals interested in living a clean lifestyle.
It’s no secret that parents tend to play favorites in immediate families. That’s why it’s hard being a middle child because you scarcely get any attention. Firstborns are treated maturely for being the eldest while last borns are showered with love for being the youngest. However, being in the middle often means that you go unnoticed. Here are five things only middle children can relate to.
1. You have to put up with hand-me-downs
Do you want a wardrobe makeover? Forget about it. As a middle child, your parents will come up with every excuse to avoid going shopping with you for new clothing items. But they are more than willing to hand you all your older sibling’s clothes—which are carefully stacked away waiting for you.
2. You’re constantly compared to your siblings
Let’s face it, no one likes being compared to others. However, being a middle child means you will have to develop a thick skin and get used to it. Everyone including your parents, teachers, and friends will measure your strengths and weaknesses against those of your siblings. You better had something unique that made you stand out from your siblings or else you would never hear the last of it.
3. Your parents play favorites
As a middle child, you will notice that your parents pay more attention to your siblings than to you. They focus so much on what your eldest and youngest siblings are doing that they forget about you.
In fact, you may indulge yourself in a lot of weird things without your parents ever noticing. However, the slightest yell from the last born will have your parents rushing to their side eager to find out what the matter is.
While favoritism may seem relatively harmless, it can have lasting effects. According to Midwest Outpatient Rehab, there could be a link between future substance abuse issues and favoritism. But by being left to your own devices, you do learn to be strongly independent—even if you do act out occasionally.
4. You’re a conflict solver
Being the middle child often means that your other siblings come to you whenever they’re having a fight or an argument, and you have to act as the impartial mediator regardless of your age. As Reader’s Digest points out, “Most middle children are peacekeepers. Since they are sandwiched between other siblings, they are often obsessed with fairness and balance.”
On the bright side, you get to hear all of their dirty secrets, which you can use later when you want them to do you favor. You also get to act like the boss for once.
5. Your name is often forgotten
Not only do your parents play favorites but they also have a hard time remembering your name. As a middle child, you will have to put up with your parents calling you the name of your other siblings when they cannot remember yours. Whether you get used to it or angrily correct them, you may find that it’s a regular part of life.
While being a middle child may seem like all doom and gloom, it does have its perks. For instance, you get to be more comfortable with yourself and you learn to look out for yourself at an early age. Moreover, you still like your siblings, and you wouldn’t trade the experience of growing up with them for anything in the world.
It seems like there would be nothing to compare to the feeling of freedom associated with the wind in your hair while riding on a motorcycle on a cool night. That being said, this can be incredibly unsafe for reasons that will be discussed in this article. There is nothing wrong with riding a motorcycle, but there are some very important aspects of it to remember.
What Gear is Required?
It has been shown through recent statistics that those who drive motorcycles are overall twenty-six times more likely to die. The unfortunate truth is that many of these deaths can be avoided by only wearing the proper safety gear and equipment.
Laws vary depending on where you are driving and in what conditions you are driving in. However, just because something is allowed, does not mean that it is safe for you! For example, many states do not require a helmet to ride a motorcycle, but one should always be worn to protect your head.
Another important thing to remember is to cover as much skin as possible. This will help protect against bugs or rocks kicked up by cars. To do this, make sure you wear pants, never shorts. Gloves, boots, and a jacket should all also be worn every time you ride on a motorcycle to offer the greatest amount of protection.
What Happens if I Crash?
Through the engineering of their structure and materials, cars offer a considerable degree of protection to their driver and passengers in the event of an accident. The steel frame will support a great deal of impact force, and the windshield provides protection from oncoming materials. Not so for motorcycles. Those safety features are not present which results in the rider being in the direct path of collisions. Bodies are not as strong as cars, and in the event of an accident, the rider will most likely be more damaged than anything else.
The takeaway: be more cautious on a bike than on a car!
Riding a motorcycle can be an expression of personal freedom and individuality, perfect for a teenager or beginner driver. In many cases, motorcycles can be more fuel efficient than much larger cars. However, as mentioned, it is crucial to remember what gear will keep you safe, how protected you are while riding a motorcycle, and when it is appropriate to ride.
As a teen, it’s important you take responsibility for your own safety and security. This is an essential part of life where you’ll be working on transitioning into adulthood. As you grow away from your parents’ care, you will be faced with more and more choices. Your response will determine a lot of your future. A life of new privileges, including driving and going out without your parents, leads to new responsibilities. Read about these top three dangers and work to make healthy choices in your own life.
Alcohol Use and Abuse
Teens are not legally able to purchase or possess alcohol, but many find it easy to obtain, whether it’s from their parents or friends. Drinking has many negative effects on the body, and early use can lead to a greater chance of alcoholism in adulthood. Binge drinking, or drinking heavily in one sitting, can lead to serious health problems and even alcohol poisoning. Over time, it can damage your liver and could lead to cancer. Each year, 5,000 people under 21 die due to underage drinking.
Prescription Drugs
Teens need to know the true dangers of prescription drug abuse. It is never okay to take someone else’s medication. Parents should keep all family prescriptions in a secure location for everyone’s safety. Prescription drug abuse can lead to dangerous drug interactions and even death. It is also a gateway to other drugs such as heroin.
If you are offered a friend’s prescription or something they have taken from their parents, make sure you tell an adult in authority, or your school resource officer.
Unsafe Driving
According to this article by Cloud Media News, dangers behind the wheel kill more teens than any other cause of death. Driving unsafely doesn’t only happen when under the influence of alcohol. 33% of all deaths between ages 13 and 19 were caused by motor vehicle accidents. Distractions, such as texting, talking on the phone, eating, or too much talking with passengers, can be extremely dangerous. Teens also need to make sure they do not drive impaired by drugs or alcohol, and that everyone in the car wears seat belts.
With a little thought and caution, teens can protect themselves from serious dangers. Talk to your parents or a trusted adult for help and don’t be afraid to ask for advice when you need it. Make sure you are a good example to your friends and younger siblings, and avoid becoming a statistic yourself.
