A Teen’s Perspective on Safe Driving

A Teen’s Perspective on Safe Driving

By: Zoe D. Banks

We all know the importance of education to enhance our knowledge of any particular area of interest. We go to college to further educate ourselves for example doctors study for years and take board exams to be considered experts in their field. Driving is no different; with so many different methods of transportation it is equally as important that all operators receive extensive training and knowledge prior to the physical driving. When you can understand how a vehicle operates you can safely ensure that you are doing our best to operate it. Extensive knowledge and understanding along with practice and accountability can reduce the number of deaths that result from reckless driving.

If we look at the big picture there are drivers ed classes in school that are not extensive enough. How can you get a proper understand of all the rules and regulations in a 6 week class? As a teen I believe that age 16-17 is too young to receive a license. Although each state differs the guidelines are basically the same. Teens mature differently at different times of their age group as do male vs. females. There are times when you cannot appreciate the value of something because you don’t have the level of maturity it takes and driving is one of those things. It is fun, quick and for some easy. It is a level of independence that we look forward as young adults. Some teens are fortunate enough to receive cars on the day they receive their license and many of those teens are reckless drivers. Why? The answer is simple, because they don’t appreciate the value of it. A teen who works to purchase their first vehicle will be more responsible because they understand the value, sweat and tears it took to obtain the vehicle. They will drive carefully because they do not want to lose what they worked hard for. Insurance companies are offering discounts on premiums for safe driving and this helps but I feel that there should be mandatory retesting after a certain time for all drivers.

I cannot speak on the experience of a car accident but I have seen many of my peers driving irresponsibly by texting and putting on makeup while driving. I have addressed the issue to them at the time and it resolves in that moment but habits are hard to break and therefore they need constant reminders of what not to do. I have also addressed my mother for texting and looking at her phone while driving. The response is “I have been driving for 30+ years and I know what I am doing. I explain that although you know what you are doing someone else in a split second can change the course of your life. I continue to encourage her to not do it.

I know that I am taking the appropriate steps to become the safest driver possible. I will freshen up my reading my driver’s manual. My cell phone has a feature that can be turned on so that when I am driving and someone texts me they will receive a response saying that I am driving. This feature allows for minimal distractions. In the end we need to be accountable for ourselves and keep our friends and family accountable on their actions as well.