Driving: A Fatal Freedom

It’s shown in movies and television series all the time. Teenagers can’t wait to drive. For the most part Hollywood actually got it right; real teenagers look forward to driving. Now, I can’t speak for a whole generation of people, but for me driving was a freedom. I could go places without having to bother my parents for a ride. I could stay after school for however long I wanted because there wasn’t anyone picking me up. When I got my full license, not just my permit, I could get food after school (which was dangerous for my bank account). Being able to drive also meant entertainment. Growing up in a small town means struggling to find something to do in order to stay entertained. It also means needing to drive everywhere; including the nearest Target, which is an hour away from my town. Being able to drive is one of the main freedoms teenagers get, along with the feeling of independence from others.

Another thing Hollywood got mostly right about teenagers, the importance of their 16th birthday. Granted they were somewhat wrong about the whole ‘Sweet 16’ thing, but I’ll still give them credit for trying. When my first friend in my close circle turned 16, it was a complete game changer. Not only could we drive to out of town places without our parents, but we had something new to do. Oftentimes, especially after COVID, we would all pile into a car and just drive around. With wind rushing through our hair, the radio blasting, and constant conversation we would drive around town, taking all the fun roads that almost felt like rollercoasters. 16 symbolized the true start of our independence and gave us the ultimate freedom of travel free of adult supervision. However, sometimes in order for us to truly value the freedoms we were given, hard lessons had to be learned.

During Driver’s Ed, which we all had to take before receiving our school permit or our license, my classmates and I learned the importance of safe driving. Not only did we have a requirement for hours in class, but we also had required hours for driving. I don’t want to speak for others, but I truly learned a lot during both sessions. In class, I learned the legal and emotional damage of reckless driving, as well as the rules of the road. In driving hours I learned how to use the information I knew in order to safely navigate the roads. However, sometimes it takes a real world lesson to truly realize the stakes at hand.

As I mentioned before, driving around was an enjoyable way to waste time with friends. We had all taken Driver’s Ed and we all had taken a multitude of tests in order to get our licenses, yet teenagers don’t always follow the rules or make the best decision. Our sophomore year two students were driving around. There were some roads that hardly got used, so sometimes the driver went a little too fast. Now that’s normally what happens with new drivers, they speed because it’s thrilling and fun and end up getting some kind of consequence. Most of the time it’s a parental lecture, sometimes even a warning or ticket. However that night, the two in the car got a far worse consequence, a flipped car in the ditch.

Sometimes life hits you hard. For me seeing pictures of that wreck caused a deep inner reflection. Driving is fun, thrilling, and a sign of independence; it is also dangerous and life-taking. The two students quickly recovered from the accident and other than the car, there was no other extreme damage. Yet, one accident reminded me of the seriousness driving brings. Everytime I get into my car, I remind myself that my life and other lives are at stake with every decision I make. Something as simple as running a red light could lead to lives ending and futures getting ruined. Everyone has people that love them; family, friends, and others. By driving recklessly or unconsciously people are putting risk to not just other passengers or drivers, but loved ones.

Driver education provides the rules of the road, along with experience needed to feel comfortable driving. Without driving education, the amount of deaths on the road would increase a colossal amount. While not everyone has a personal lesson or reason to drive safely, Driver’s Ed equips new drivers with a responsibility for safety while behind the wheel. An increase of driver’s education in high schoolers and new drivers would influence people to think about consequences while driving. The more that people think, the more they choose to do the right thing, drive carefully.

Along with driver’s education, there are other paths I take to better myself as a driver. The first, and most obvious one, is that I don’t do ‘stupid stuff’ while driving. Speeding is, I hate to say it, a little fun. However, speed limits exist for a reason, so I follow them. A huge action that I find important as a driver is paying attention. Driving, especially to certain places, becomes a habit. Habits are a thing that can be good and bad, this applies to driving habits. Buckling your seatbelt is a good driving habit, but spacing off while driving a familiar route is a bad habit. This is why I actively remind myself to pay attention to the road. One of the main ways I better myself as I drive is constantly holding myself accountable. People make mistakes; that is okay. However, by holding myself responsible when I’m behind the wheel or a passenger prevents a mistake becoming life altering or fatal.

Driving is still a symbol of freedom and independence, yet it also stands for death, risk, and responsibility. Driver’s Ed teaches important lessons; the rules of the road, the legal consequences, and how to deal with driving scenarios. An increase of education is never a bad thing and the same applies to new driver’s education. Teaching more information to drivers could prevent future accidents, future deaths, and future heartbreak and pain. Driving gives us the ability to go new places and see new things, this should not have to include a hospital. I choose to be safe when I drive or am a passenger. Safety is valued more than fun. There is a balance of still having fun and being responsible, which is a lesson new drivers should all be taught and reminded of. It’s a common saying that actions have consequences, so make actions that allow for good consequences. Everytime I get into a car I’ll always remember that serious implications follow being in the driver’s seat.