Behind the Wheel

Today a student shared with me that she likes to drive fast.  She doesn't have her driver's license yet and she assured me that this is how she feels, not that she is driving without a license.  She also told me that she wanted to be a NASCAR race driver.  I guess my reaction, open mouth, wide eyes, was enough to tickle her because she started laughing and said, " I know, it sounds crazy."  I reassured her that it didn't sound crazy and that I would be honored to say that I once knew the person who became a famous NASCAR driver.

We joked and laughed for a bit more about different career paths and her various professional interests.  I couldn't help but take an opportunity to share with her that this week is national teen driver safety week.  I shared with her some of the sad statistics of teenagers who have been seriously injured or killed in auto accidents, with a majority of them involving teens who were not exercising driver safety.  I felt as if she may be at risk because she has already shared that she likes to drive fast.  The scary part is that she said it with a smile, as if she received some sort of rush or affirmation.  I quickly wondered how many teens feel the exact same way as she.

Teen drivers.  I suppose most adults can remember being one and the excitement and adrenaline rush felt on the first time behind the wheel of a car.  I suppose most teenagers would prefer to be recognized in another manner, because most "older" people have thoughts and comments regarding teen drivers that are mostly critical.  Teen drivers.  They don't always understand the complexity of operating a moving vehicle.  They don't always understand the importance of respecting the roadways and the language of the road, meaning all those signs which indicate "stop", "yield", "slow down", "detour", "proceed with caution" etc.  They don't always understand the importance of maintaining strict attention to the roadway and to avoid distractions such as the radio, cell phone or other passengers.  They don't always understand that an accident can occur in a split second and there is not always enough time to react in a manner that will end in a good result.  They don't always understand that driving at night, when you are tired or under the influence of any type of substance can result in tragedy for the driver and others.  They don't always understand that speed limits are in place for a reason.  They don't always understand that letting others drive your car is putting you and your parents and other family members in jeapardy, particularly if an accident should happen.  They don't always understand that racing on the roadway, a fun past-time to them, can lead to life-changing and/or life-ending results.   

National Teen Driver Safety Week.  An important, not-to-be-underestimated week for young people.  Important because it is imperative that society focus attention on it's youngest drivers, to educate them on the dangers of driving unsafe and placing their lives and the lives of others in peril.  The lesson for young people is this:  Driving is a privilege, not a right.  It is a privilege to be taken very seriously.  Understand that no one is obligated to allow you to drive.  Your life could depend on how seriously you take this privilege.  Your parents and society trust you with making the best choices and decisions when operating a vehicle.  It is not a toy.  It is not that simulator you play on at Dave and Buster's and it is certainly not like that bicycle and motor bike you may have operated.  Every person you encounter on the roadways is trusting that you are taking the responsibility of driving seriously in your actions AND reactions.  They trust that you will not succumb to peer pressure and influence to drive fast or wrecklessly, not wear your seat belt, pile too many friends in the car or take your eyes off of the road.

As my student left my office today, I wondered how she would be behind the wheel of a car.  A student who is already reporting that she likes to drive fast.  I hope that she and all other young, teen drivers will take the privilege seriously and observe national teen driver safety week and all its education and tips in ensuring that teen drivers are always safe, always careful, always attentive, always sensible, always accountable.  Teen drivers.  We all couldn't wait to be one.  In honor of national teen driver safety week, may we not lose another one to unnecessary carelessness.  According to research, nearly 5000 teens per year will lose their lives to America's roads.  May you NOT be one of them.