Driver License Needed at 16

My mom has been my personal taxi driver for years. She let me know in no uncertain terms that the day I turned 16 she was retiring from the taxi service. Considering my school is 22 miles from my house, I would need my driver license to get to school and other activities. Nine months prior to my 16th birthday, I completed the online drivers ed course. When I turned 15 ½ I received my driver’s permit and quickly after I turned 16, I was a licensed driver. 

I am a very accomplished student so learning the rules of the road from an online course worked great for me. However, I firmly believe we need to get driver’s education back in schools because many students have a hard time learning online. If high schools offered the driver ed course, it would be more equitable for students who come from financially struggling homes. So, the first step to reducing the number of driving-related deaths is to make the course available for students free as a high school course.  

The behind the wheel course is only required for drivers under 18. So many of my friends will have to wait until they are 18 to obtain a license because they cannot afford the behind the wheel course. Once they turn 18, they no longer need the course, at least in California. I actually learned now to drive in the behind the wheel course. I cannot imagine learning to drive without having the behind the wheel training. My trainer made me feel at ease when I was behind the wheel. I think when people skip this step, they are less prepared to be drivers and can potentially cause more accidents. Once again, we need a system in place where high school students can take the behind the wheel training class at no cost.

Cell phones are most likely the cause of many accidents. I have my phone connected to the CarPlay because I use Google Maps to navigate the heavy traffic to and from school. I turn on the Driving Focus to help stay focused on the road. By turning this on, text messages and other notifications are silenced or limited. Incoming calls are allowed only when the iPhone is connected to CarPlay or hands-free accessory. Although this allows me to talk on the phone while driving, I do not use the phone when driving. As far as receiving a message when I drive, I have an automatic message that states, “I am currently driving and I will respond when I get to my destination.”  As more cars become available and affordable with hands free options, the more people can reduce phone distractions while driving.  

I take two friends to and from school each day. Once school is out, we all have rehearsals for show choir, musicals and other performance opportunities. This means we leave school at 9:00 most nights.  Having friends in the car could be distracting but I find it comforting. As a small female, I feel safer when I have friends in the car, especially late at night. I do have a silly rule in my car. Whoever is in the front passenger seat controls the music. We listen to amazon music or Spotify so changing music is not as easy as changing the radio station. By having my friend control the music, I stayed focused on the road and not playing DJ. 

I have been very fortunate and have never been in a car accident. My parents have been great role models when it comes to driving. Sure, they sometimes don’t come to a complete stop at a vacant intersection and they may have run a few yellow lights that may have been questionable. I know without a doubt that they have more experience than I do. I always follow the rules of the road. My parents also joke about how they have a designated driver now. They do not overindulge in alcohol but my mom hands me the keys after a dinner out if she even has one beer. According to the United States Department of Transportation, 37 people die every day due to drunk driving. We need to find a way to keep intoxicated people from driving a vehicle. 

No matter how good a driver I am, there can be dangerous drivers around me. I would love to take a defensive driving course. These courses teach the driver to respond to potential hazards, including other drivers, damaged road surfaces, debris, inclement weather, and more. Imagine if more people had the opportunity to take these types of courses learning defensive driving techniques could help keep all drivers safe.

I have been a licensed driver for over a year. I drive the fast-paced southern California freeways every day. I can do everything in my power to be a responsible driver but I am on the road with millions of people daily. Whatever we can do to help all drivers make responsible decisions, the safer the roads are for all.