During our younger years, we all have this curiosity about living life like an adult. We have this fascination with what we want to be when we grow up. And we are curious about wanting to try things that are exclusively for grown-ups.
Driving is one of these things. Being able to drive vehicles seems to have become a rite of passage for every adolescent. Learning how to drive and getting your driver’s license means you are one step closer to adulthood.
Apart from that, owning and driving a car is a status symbol, especially for adolescents. This attitude towards driving essentially puts it on a pedestal. People want to drive, and we cannot blame them for their desire to do so.
The Desire To Drive
Of course, the desire to drive a motor vehicle is understandable. There are many reasons why people want to drive as soon as they can. Driving can help us live our lives more conveniently. We can go to our destinations with ease, and we never have to deal with the inconveniences of public transportation.
With a motor vehicle, we can go wherever we want, whenever we want. It is a luxury that many people want to have. In 2019, around 230 million individuals with valid driver’s licenses in the United States alone. And individuals as young as 16 years old can start applying for one.
Yes, many people want to drive motor vehicles. But many of them are also overlooking the downsides of driving. Driving a vehicle is convenient, but it is not as great as people make it seem.
Driving Is a Big Responsibility
Many people overlook the fact that driving is one of the biggest responsibilities anyone can have. When a person becomes a driver, they are essentially responsible for their safety and those who are with them. Bad drivers are those who have no regard for the safety of other people.
Operating a moving motor vehicle can be dangerous. The roads are not safe for someone unqualified to drive. Motor vehicles can reach speeds that can cause significant damage to property and harm to the driver, other motorists, and even pedestrians.
Plenty of people dismiss this responsibility. In 2020, it was estimated that around 42,000 fatalities occurred that were related to motor vehicle accidents. Of course, this is not good news to motorists. Drivers who happen to hit pedestrians resulting in death can face jail time. They can always pay the bond to avoid being detained while awaiting trial, but the damages can never be reversed.
With that, every aspiring driver should think twice about getting a license. They should be sure of themselves that they are capable of driving. Apart from that, they should also be responsible enough to follow traffic regulations and driving rules.
Driving Is Stressful
Many people also do not consider that driving is a stressful activity. It is a physically demanding activity that requires focus. Apart from that, it also needs quick reflexes to avoid any accidents on the road. Also, good hand-eye coordination can be in handy when driving. Many people do not realize these as they are mesmerized by the joys of having the ability and authority to drive.
Not having these qualities may significantly put one in danger of road accidents. It also puts other people in harm’s way. For this reason, people should be informed that the act of driving is not necessarily a joyous activity.
It is also important to note that major urban areas experience heavy traffic almost daily. Brewing stuck in traffic can be harmful to several aspects of our lives. For one, it is a huge waste of time.
We waste around 54 hours a year being stuck in traffic. When we are stuck in traffic, it also wastes our gasoline, making us spend more on gas fuel expenses. This ultimately makes us less productive with our lives, and they waste plenty of our resources.
Is Driving as Great as It seems?
Having the ability to drive can be freeing. It makes us feel independent. Driving can also help us live more convenient lives. But at the end of the day, it is a major responsibility that needs consideration.
We may be ready for the advantages that driving may bring. But we should always remember that these come with major duties and responsibilities. When one becomes a driver, safety should be their top priority. They are not only taking care of their own lives but the other lives of people too. With that, it is only fit that we take driving seriously.