Take driving more seriously

New drivers need to be more cautious and appreciative of the privilege of driving

Take+driving+more+seriously

Lexi Flipse, Mill Valley News social media editor

If you’re a new driver like me, you’re likely enjoying and possibly taking advantage of your newfound freedom. However, this freedom can cause to us feel overconfident in our driving capabilities, which leads us to make mistakes. Even though I’ve only had my license for two years, I have seen and even personally executed many of these boneheaded mistakes while on the road. These driving mishaps, or maybe premeditated actions, are not something that any of us new drivers are proud of, but they are things that we have a duty to learn from and prevent in the future.

First and foremost, as teen drivers, it is vital to understand that no matter how long you’ve been driving or how experienced you think you are, chances are that you are not. This means that while you may think you know what you’re doing when driving 70 mph on Monticello Road, the likelihood of you or anyone having enough experience and skill to be doing so is slim. Your actions behind the wheel can have major consequences, and I’m not talking about a meager speeding ticket from Shawnee’s finest.

The reality is that every year, thousands of American teenagers die from reckless driving. So while it may be fun to race with your friends, putting your lives and the lives of innocent bystanders at risk is not worth it at all. I can’t speak for you, but I’d rather not live the rest of my life with a count of vehicular manslaughter, or any type of manslaughter for that matter. So if it’s a thrill you’re seeking, hit the amusement park, not the streets.

Another thing for new and old drivers alike to remember is that with this winter season approaching, it is (to some degree) acceptable for you to drive like a grandma. My freshman year, the weather turned bad while we were at school. The next day, I remember hearing countless stories of accidents or close calls because of people underestimating the effect that weather can have on driving conditions. It’s always better to be safe than sorry when behind the wheel.

So as you’re driving around, stay safe and always think of how your actions could affect others. And most importantly, leave the reputation of bad driving to the Missourians.

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