Annoying, but Worth It

When I was first looking at all the requirements in my home state of Maryland to get your license, I was annoyed, it seemed unnecessarily complicated and I was impatient, but now, less than a month away from taking my driving test, I am grateful for all those requirements. I have spent time learning not only the rules of the road, but how to deal with a variety of unique situations that I only experienced due to the 60 hours of required driving, and it was great to be able to go through those stressful intersections or navigate a construction site or deal with inconsiderate drivers with an experienced driver in the car who could guide me through it. That way, when I do face that situation on my own, I will know how to react and continue to drive safely.

I believe if all new drivers had to go through the rigorous system that Maryland has, we would reduce the number of deaths related to driving. Maryland has actually been named the safest state for teen drivers (https://www.baltimoresun.com/maryland/bs-md-teen-driver-ranking-20170508-story.html) with a lower number of teens dying in driving accidents than other states and the number of drunk drivers decreasing.

When I am able to drive on my own, I am committing to upholding the same standards I would with my parents in the car, even when I’m in a rush, with friends, or just tired, I’ve learned that doing things the right way and following through with the rules is the safest for everyone on the road.

I strongly believe that the fact that I have never been in a car accident is strongly related to Maryland’s strict policies. I think we need to hold everyone, not just teen drivers, to a higher standard. Holding people to a higher standard looks like re-requiring drivers ed for those with a DUI or DWI. Holding people to a higher standard looks like reminding people around you to put their phone down while they’re behind the wheel or to always use their turn signal.

Because, yes, it can absolutely be annoying, but, I promise you, that inconvenience will be well worth keeping you and your loved ones alive.