The year is 1997 and the grade is 7th. One full year after being too scared, tryouts
are finally over and the list will be put up outside the gym soon. She rushes to door…..
and….. YES!! Her name is on the list and she’s made the middle school basketball
team. No more worries right?! Wrong! With that great accomplishment comes practices,
and not just any practices, the 6 am Saturday morning practices! But, she lives in a two
parent household where both mom and dad have vehicles so this won’t be a problem.
No matter the age, almost every kid starts thinking about driving as soon as they
have a desire to hang out with friends, go shopping, or just get to practice on time. Once
they become a teenager those thoughts turn into more realistic thinking about the time
when they can get their driver’s license. They just jump right to the thought of hitting that
exciting milestone leading to when you will no longer have to depend on their parent for
a ride wherever you want to do. Then they research what it takes only to find out there
is a written driving test, practice driving, and not to mention the financial hassle that comes
along with it.
Now back to 1997 when my mother made the middle school basketball team and
signed up for those 6 AM Saturday morning practices. She never thought my granddad
owning a night club would be the reason for her getting her first car and becoming a
regular driver in the 7 th grade. Even though way before it was her time, thankfully my
granddad did not just throw my mother behind the wheel and wish her well. Before he
trusted her to drive 2.9 miles from home to school he took her on many driving practices
and thoroughly explained the importance of safe driving.
Although this was not the correct way of doing things, I will say that we live in a
different time now with more personally created distractions. Cell phones were not as
popular and there sure was not Bluetooth, Apps, and social media at every driver’s
fingertip. However, one constant from then to now is the presence and value of having
drivers’ education classes in high school.
Before drivers’ ed I practiced with my mom and my father. For me drivers’ ed
played a big role in getting my nerves under control. Having someone I had not known
my entire life pour into me helped me in many ways. Class helped build my confidence
on all roads, which for me was a blessing. Some teenagers approaching the age of
driving are lucky enough to have family get them behind a wheel, but for many others,
their high school drivers’ ed class is their first introduction.
No matter which group someone falls in, my advice is the same…TAKE
DRIVERS’ EDUCATION SERIOUS! Do not look at it as a chance to take class with
friends, and then fuss over not being on the same driving schedule. Once you get your
permit your friends will only be able to ride along if you have a licensed driver over 21
sitting in the front seat. Also, within the first year your licenses are restricted. That
means only one friend can ride with along unless again, a licensed driver over 21 until
you have had your license over a year. Pay attention when your classmates are driving.
If the teacher corrects them on something, make sure they do not have to tell you the
same. No matter if you are driving or riding, pay attention to signs because they are
EVERYWHERE and play an important role in the safety of yourself and others who are
on the road.
No matter your experience, age or qualifications, everyone plays a role when it
comes to safe driving. One reason that pushed me to get my license is the fact that my
father has chosen many times to drive under the influence. I was too young to convince
him to not do this, but as I got older, I began speaking up. When I was old enough to
understand how dangerous that was, I told my mom and eventually stop riding with him
under the influence. Now that I am old enough to be heard, I speak up every chance I
get even if that means taking the keys away from him and becoming his ‘designated
driver’. Taking drivers’ ed and becoming a licensed driver helps, but it does not make
you a safe driver. Doing your part to minimize distractions while operating 2,600+ lbs. of
metal is what will make you a safe driver. Every life matter, including our own!