Driving Recklessy: A Call for Accountability and Change in a Generation of Chaos

Regretfully, there has been an increase in cruelty and recklessness on the roads in our world. When we become sidetracked by our phones, friends, or music, most of us are seconds away from death. Regretfully, Kevin, one of my friends, is among them. He recently graduated from Charles Herbert Flowers High School as a young adult. However, since he acquired a car two years ago, he has taken advantage of the opportunity to go with his brother and friends to his favorite restaurants or locations. The negative aspect of this is that he disobeys the law.

One may wonder, “Why don’t you stop him? Or ask him directly, “Why are you behaving so recklessly?” I’m sure you could murder yourself or someone else. The truth is that I have tried more than once; God alone knows how many times. But when you reach young adulthood, independence begins to manifest itself how you please. Kevin is at that stage right now. The children in the area riding their bikes close to the sidewalk didn’t seem to bother him. On one particular occasion, my mom and I were making a left turn in a school area when we noticed Kevin turning at sixty-five miles per hour. Usually, he would do this with his friends: who also owned a car. They will either race one another or frequently just sit in a car together, blasting music loud enough to drown out outside noise. I used to ask him for a ride if my parents couldn’t pick me home from school. Even though my house was only six minutes away, I was anxious every time he drove me there because he would immediately step on the pedal. Because I knew that our lives could end at any moment, I frequently prayed for my protection during those brief moments.

When I realized my comments did not matter to him but only the fame and coolness of his friends, I decided to tell my mom to inform his parents. My mom was furious and annoyed that his mom did not do anything but just say to him “Do not do that again.” She did her best to tell him that he is at a risk in his life and just that but he will cause a broken heart to his whole family. Knowing Kevin has taught me the majority of us teens. I hate to admit but this generation is causing more chaos than before. It is not just the youth’s fault but the parents disciplining these youths on the wrong path. A person driving recklessly can cause a number of deaths and I truly believe it should be spoken loudly! But this all starts with discipline and accountability because while teens grow up they do not care about what the public says making it difficult to change.

I made the decision to let my mom know to let his parents know when I realized that fame and coolness from his friends were the only things that mattered to him, not my concerns. His mother did nothing but tell him to “do not do that again,” which infuriated and irritated my mom. She tried her best to explain to him that there was a risk in his life and that he would break his family’s heart. Knowing Kevin has taught me what other teenagers do as well. I hate to admit it but this generation is producing more havoc than the last. The parents are also to blame for leading these young people down the wrong path, not only the youngsters. Reckless driving has the potential to cause numerous fatalities, and I strongly advocate for a vocal discussion on this matter because not everyone is aware of it! However, addressing this issue begins with instilling discipline and accountability. As teenagers mature, they often become indifferent to public opinion, posing a significant challenge to instigating change.

I express gratitude for the invaluable lessons learned in driving school, guided by Mr. Park. His comprehensive teachings, especially regarding police interactions, proved enlightening. Each PowerPoint presentation was a revelation, intricately detailing responsible driving conduct and the significance of integrity on the road. While I treasure this educational experience, I am cognizant that not everyone shares this opportunity. The class I underwent, emphasizing truth, honor, and consequences, might not be universally accessible or comprehended. This underscores the importance of a more widespread and inclusive approach to driving education, ensuring vital lessons reach all, and fostering a collective commitment to responsible and informed behavior on the road.