Driving. It is a right of passage and the best method of transportation, but for many it can be stressful. This is especially true for new, teenage drivers. Although the feeling of wind in your hair with the radio blasting your favorite song sounds like a great time, it is a scary thought to be on the road and to know that people can just swerve into you. The road can be unsafe at times due to arrogant, jerk drivers. This starts to get new drivers a little nervous when they get behind the wheel, however, you just need to learn the basics of safe driving. 

At the age of 16, teens can be sent off to the road, and start to get the feel of being behind the wheel. Only if they pass the written and road test. At first it may feel scary, but once you are consistent with driving it will become a piece of cake to you. Well that is if you are driving the proper way.

Some teenagers’ are childish, and when a new car comes in they want to be cocky and show how “fast” and “good” they can drive. Driving with one hand, having loud friends, loud music, texting while driving, and even drinking/smoking while driving are often things teens start doing when they become new drivers. 

According to the article, “Teen Drivers: Get the Facts,” from the CDC, “The risk of motor vehicle crashes is higher among teens aged 16–19 than among any other age group. In fact, per mile driven, teen drivers in this age group are nearly three times as likely as drivers aged 20 or older to be in a fatal crash.” 

If you are irresponsible on the road, you will cause major consequences. To avoid those consequences, always observe your surroundings, keep right with slow traffic, signal before turning or changing lanes, keep a safe following distance, always yield to pedestrians, and stopping behind school buses with red flashing lights are just simple things teens need to know being a new driver. 

Mr. Miller, a Physical & Driver’s Education teacher in UACHS has a couple of tips for new drivers. 

“Take your time as a passenger, and observe everything on the road as if you are driving, so when you finally do get on the road you will be used to seeing everything.”

Being a passenger at first helps you see how other people drive too. You will see some bad/reckless drivers. But if you are paying attention and following the rules and regulations you could be able to adjust to them. 

Becoming a new driver has a lot of responsibilities. Not only your life, but other people’s lives are in your hands. Being able to drive is a privilege and a responsibility. As a teen driver you have to prove and earn that right of passage.