The concept of driving can be one of simplicity and ease. But is it really that simple? If it’s so simple, then why is it that the group highest in motor vehicle related accidents are aged in the range from 16-19. Oh that’s right, because driving is NOT simple.

Growing up, kids find themselves counting down the days until their 16th birthday arrives. Not because they can have a huge party, not because they’re halfway done with high school, but because it is the age that they can finally drive themselves. It’s a normal feeling of anticipation to arise in teens. The ability to drive oneself gives teens a sense of freedom and power, but what people tend to forget about is the seriousness of driving. Often times, teens are so wrapped up in the concept of driving that they forget that it is an extremely serious thing. After a couple months of it, it seems to be a normal routine and often times teens become complacent. Phones start coming out and the attention span starts going out the window more and more each day.

There is a reason you have to wait until you are 16 years old until you can drive alone. It’s because it is a serious deal. There have been too many sad stories on the news involving teen car accidents. The challenge is to lower the number of those news stories. Don’t get in the car with someone who isn’t fit to drive for the night, or who doesn’t put their phone down. Because whether it’s a 5 minute drive or a 50 minute drive, it only takes a second of distraction to get into a car accident and there is way too much life to live to risk that.

It is often said that a parent’s worst nightmare is burying their child. Your parents are trusting you when they give you keys to a car and the “go ahead.” Show them the same courtesy and drive safely. Drive safely to respect your parents, become an example for your friends, and to make the roads as safe as they can be for everyone.