Purple Haze
Slow Down
By Elizabeth Thomas

November 4 , 2010

One of the many perks of the high school experience is learning to drive. All students look forward to that exciting moment when they get behind the wheel and receive a first taste of freedom. Since I have been driving a little over a year, the dangers of the road and the responsibility are always fresh in my mind. New drivers, on the other hand, are often too anxious to be on the road and then forget to watch for things like signs and aggressive drivers. Drivers are also faced with many distractions such as food, sight-seeing, and the number one distraction-- cell phones.

In the technology-dependent age, it is rare to find a student without one and it is a crisis when someone with a cell phone does not have unlimited texting. Studies have shown that someone driving while texting or talking on the phone has the same impairment as someone who is drunk. Another dangerous part of driving that most students find thrilling is the speed. When the high school Driver’s Ed teacher, Mr. Schaeffer, was asked what message he would like to send to new drivers, he replied, “Slow down.” Although teenagers’ feet do tend to itch for the gas pedal, it is more important to become comfortable with driving first then to have a need for speed.

So, how can we make new drivers aware of the responsibility of a license? Students certainly should receive an education in driving, which we have at our high school, and they should be encouraged to take the behind-the-wheel course that is offered. Through this, students learn to become better drivers and also receive a discount on their car insurance bill. This should be a strong incentive. I also cannot stress enough the importance of parent involvement when teaching their kids to drive. Encourage them to pay attention to the roads and avoid driving distractions because once they have their license, they are on their own. Don’t forget to make the experience an enjoyable one as well because even though driving has its risks, it is still just as fun.