Being Safe in the Driver's Seat

One year and five months ago, I turned 16. I was so excited to drive, to go places by myself, to be in charge! I studied, I took my permit test, and passed the first time – and I immediately marked it as a win in my column! I had completed all the online driver’s ed required courses, listening to all the scary scenarios about why we should pay attention! I logged the on-paper hours like a champ, and then it was time to get behind the wheel for the first time.

My mom backed the car out of our garage and pointed it straight in the middle of the driveway. She got out and into the passenger seat, and I sat, for the first time, in the driver’s seat. I had to move the seat quite a bit, as I’m 5 feet 4 inches, my mom is 5 feet 9, and my dad, whose car I was taking over, is 6 feet 3 inches. I inched that chair up, adjusted every mirror, and learned how to move the steering wheel. Then we put the car in drive, coasted to the bottom of the driveway, put it in park, and put it in reverse to go back up the driveway. Every nerve in my body was tingling. We did these five more times, and my mother asked if I was ready to go on our short cul-de-sac. I agreed, turned out of the driveway, and my mom was frantically yelling “Move Over” as I came very close to side-swiping the neighbor's car. I burst into tears as my mom apologized for raising her voice and instructed me on how to turn the car around and go home. I was convinced then that I might never drive. Mom reminded me about when I learned to ride my bike, swim, or do a tap dance time step. I knew she was right; I had to get back on that horse and try again.

We got back in the car and drove daily so I could learn new driving skills, pay attention to road signs, and understand the power and danger of driving. I passed my driving test the first time and celebrated with my mom at Starbucks, though reaching the drive-thru window required opening my door—a reminder I still had much to learn, especially if I was going to be driving alone. Not being allowed to drive my sister for 6 months or my friends for 1 year was tough, since we were often headed to the same place, but following the law made me pay closer attention to my surroundings. Driving on unfamiliar roads and in new parking lots, I gained confidence thanks to the skills and practice from driver's education classes.

This fall, I’ll attend Quinnipiac University. I had a chance to meet a potential roommate in Hamden, near campus. The drive is about 40 minutes from my house, and it would be my first time on the Merritt Parkway. Many adults call it the Merritt Speedway because, although the speed limit is 55 mph, drivers often exceed 70 mph, making merging and navigation challenging, especially for a new driver.

With confidence from driver’s ed and practice, I nervously began the trip, unsure if I was more anxious about meeting my future roommate or driving on the dreaded Merritt. Swallowing my nerves, I settled in, started my playlist (already set up beforehand), and hit the road. When I arrived at the coffee shop, elation washed over me. I’d stayed safe and alert, never touching my phone, and it was even more rewarding that the girl I met was awesome and a perfect roommate match!

I won’t lie: I hated the rules for new drivers. I wanted to drive my friends around and make memories. Getting my license after most of them, thanks to my late birthday, only made it harder. Now, I see how those rules kept me safe. Distractions and accidents can happen to anyone. My grandfather, who has been driving for nearly sixty years, was seriously hurt in an accident with a speeding teenage driver who ran a stop sign. My grandfather still has a scar—and new anxiety about driving. That accident could have been avoided, and it’s why I take extra care at stop signs and lights. I can’t control others, but I can always drive carefully and cautiously. Thanks to the driver’s education program, I’m committed to being that kind of driver. I am also the friend who reminds others, as we drive, to be safe and always pay attention!