The Power of a License

Getting your driver's license is a milestone many high schoolers are excited to achieve. You start thinking about the newfound freedoms it will give you and the sense of maturity it fills you with. But as you get older, you realize just how big of a responsibility holding a driver's license is. Even more so, how big of a responsibility it is for a sixteen-year-old to hold. When I learned to drive, the power of a license was not heavily stressed enough. I learned the basic rules of driving–what each sign on the road meant, when to yield, and when to accelerate–but it made driving seem more like a task and less like a responsibility. 

When driving home from an event, I was stopped at a red light when I witnessed something that changed my perspective on driving. I saw a car pass through a green light when suddenly another car ran a red light at full speed and just narrowly stopped before the two cars collided. It happened in what felt like a split second, and I realized that accidents can happen when you least expect it. It also further stressed that when driving, not only is the outcome of my life in my hands, but so is that of every other driver on the road. A normal day can always turn into one that could heavily impact your life. This reminded me of an important lesson my dad taught me during one of my driving lessons: when driving, don’t worry about where you're going or what you’re going to do when you get there; focus solely on the road, and, most importantly, drive at your own pace.

I’ve noticed a common occurrence in the mindset of young drivers. Many drive a certain way to impress their peers, increasing their speed beyond what they can control or driving in a state they aren’t comfortable with (most commonly under the influence). Driving education is essential in bringing light to the severity of driving. Drivers need to understand that things that seem like small risks – texting while driving, driving while distracted, or driving while under the influence – can have life-changing consequences. None of these things were taught to my peers or to me in Driver's Ed, and if more kids were told not to be embarrassed by driving safely, more accidents could be prevented.

Steps like teaching the consequences of driving in Driver’s Ed and not just making sure students can drive could reduce the number of deaths related to driving. Sometimes it’s easier for people to learn by seeing instead of by just being told. Showing either videos of real accidents or models of accidents can be an eye-opener. Furthermore, stressing or elevating the consequences of reckless driving, such as harsher fines or giving fewer chances before revocation of a license, could help as well. Something I've become aware of is the effect that work has on accidents. Many jobs with high-stress environments and demanding hours lead workers to drive in states of exhaustion. Employers with workers in these demanding jobs should ensure that, when they are in these states of exhaustion, they don’t have to push themselves to the point of choosing between sleep and making it to their destination.

As I’ve continued to drive, I’ve learned a few lessons. Even knowing the rules and consequences of driving recklessly, when tested with time and the rush of getting to a certain destination, it’s easy to forget even the simple things. What I’ve learned is that patience is a virtue. It’s easy for me to become impatient on the road – either because of traffic, a long red light, or dealing with an erratic driver on the road – and my impatience leads me to speed or retaliate. To become a safer driver, I need to lead with patience, keep to speeds that I’m comfortable with, and leave at times that will allow me to reach my destination at my own pace. It can be hard to comment on the way friends or family are driving, but sometimes an honest conversation is what someone needs to recognize their bad habits.

A licence is a privilege of freedom that a lot of us hold and take for granted.  Although it may seem small, the choices we make while behind the wheel can make an impact. Before receiving a licence, the importance of driving safety and the value of life should be instilled.  And as I grasp my licence, it will be my goal to recognize the power it holds.