Death to the wheel and the prefrontal cortex

Let me start with a disclaimer, gringos say, disclaimer: I got my driver’s license at 16, which is the age at which it is allowed. And I was a reckless teen driver, crashed 3 times, if I remember correctly. Fortunately, no one was injured. I was expected to learn my lesson after crash after crash, to raise awareness, but nothing, only time allowed me to become the driver that I am: I respect speed limits, I don’t make risky maneuvers, I swallow insults I want to go public. the elderly, to avoid quarrels with other men; They definitely know how to fight or arm themselves. And above all, I never drive drunk and look how I like to go out for a few drinks. Since I’ve “matured” I strictly enforce the “if you drink, don’t drive.”

I say this because of the seriousness of the car accident problem and its close relationship with age. It happens that the brain in adolescence has not finished developing, and therefore, adolescents are less averse to carrying out risky behaviors (here is a study). When the prefrontal cortex stops developing, our risk aversion reaches its maximum (every brain is different and there are adults with greater and less risk aversion). The lack of such development allows adolescents to choose reckless driving with less reluctance than most adults (some never mature, I don’t know if it has to do with the cerebral cortex). Caminos y Puentes Federales (CAPUFE) says the following (the league): “According to data from the National Institute of Public Health (INSP), Mexico ranks seventh in the world and third in Latin America in traffic fatalities, with 24,000 deaths per year on average. Added to this is the following shocking fact: “In our country, 22 young people between the ages of 15 and 29 die from this issue every day (just over 8,000 people annually), which is a third of the deaths due to traffic accidents. Only in 2020 did they constitute the number one cause of death among people between the ages of 5 and 29. And what CAPUFE proposes to solve this issue: “It is important for young people to raise awareness about this issue.” Please, they lack prefrontal courtesy development, and they don’t measure risk! And also experience behind the wheel. It takes measures to prevent deaths. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests gringo: In addition to mandatory seatbelt regulations and a zero-tolerance drunk driving, a strictly enforced, progressive licensing system. The New Jersey system, for example, says this: Anyone under the age of 21 who has a permit (not a license) must put a red flag on their front and rear license plates for identification. In addition, they are prohibited from driving from 11:00 PM to 5:00 AM and cannot use communication devices even without using hands. And most importantly, they can only drive if they are accompanied by a parent, guardian, or someone who has had a driver’s license for at least three years. To many, it will sound too demanding, but of course, “there’s the matter,” “make them aware,” and denying the scientific evidence, well, that’s what got us where we are. We hope this article made you think twice before giving your teen the keys. If you want it like you say it is, protect it.

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