Teenagers are the Worst Drivers

Teenagers are the Worst Drivers

Teenagers are the worst drivers. Day after day, the infamous stereotype was instilled in my brain as adults from all spheres of my life gave their opinion. I grew weary and resentful of those to anyone who spoke those stingy five words. I became determined never to let myself give anyone the impression that the convention still existed with my generation.

Teenagers are the worst drivers. I spent thirty hours in the Drivers’ Education course held at my school. From basic necessities to federal consequences, we were taught hours at a time. While textbook learning proved to be essential, the most effective learning was through testimonials. A local motorcyclist shared the dangers of blind spots and how necessary it is to drive with not closed, but a peripheral vision. A police officer came in and told us the reality of speeding, and how the exhilaration of fast driving creates dangerous vehicles. The most impactful guest speaker was one of the state troopers. He shared personal accounts of high school students who had bright futures lined up but whose lives were cut short due to irresponsible driving decisions. Hearing about others our age die tragically from a consequence that could have been easily avoided was a painful awakening, an awakening much needed as a class about to start driving.

Teenagers are the worst drivers. After I passed my driver’s test, I was incredibly circumspect of driving decisions. Every move was calculated, thoroughly examined, and made with extreme caution. However, after months of driving alone, I started slacking in carefulness. I was not as mindful of my surroundings and became a more impatient driver.

Teenagers are the worst drivers. Following my full license confirmation, I took a defensive driving course with fellow teenagers. When the question of car crash encounters arose, I was shocked at the number of hands that appeared. Accidents were almost normalized as if it is just an experience that everyone goes through. In my immediate friend group of five, sixty percent first-hand experienced a car accident in which they were behind the wheel. The financial consequences are grave, but what is worse is the unexpected emotional trauma that comes with it.

Teenagers are the worst drivers. I finally understood the harsh reality behind the phrase I resented so much. Teenagers tend to have an apathetic attitude when driving. They are not as careful, feel the need to rush everywhere, and only learn when they have primary accounts of car accidents. I am eternally grateful not to have experienced a car accident; however, as a member of the rising generation, we need to stop the pattern and normalization of collisions. From devoting our complete attention to driver’s education classes and observing our family members at the wheel, we must have a teachable mindset to become a better driver. As passengers, we need to be respectful of the driver: lowering the music, guiding the driver, and quieted voices. We should not need a testimony to understand the great importance of driver’s education and acting on what we learn.