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Kids Choose to be Bad Drivers
"I see another reason for reckless driving. I believe teenagers do not have as much to lose as adults. "
By Pace Maynard
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Youth Radio's Pace Maynard disagrees with the notion that teens drive poorly because their brains are not fully developed. The Grady High School sophomore has his own theory.
Teenagers drive more recklessly than adults. Trust me, I see it everyday. Maybe it is a lack of ability, lack of experience, or the simple fact that they choose to neglect their responsibilities as safe drivers. Many of my friends either have their licenses or are getting them very soon and I know that almost all of them can be good drivers. They have demonstrated this to their parents and driving instructors. So why is it that they drive differently when they are allowed to drive by themselves?
Experts say that it is because the human brain is not completely developed until around the age of twenty. This would mean that even though teens are as aware of the risks of driving, they can’t help but ignore warnings and drive irresponsibly, endangering their lives as well as the lives of the people around them.
I do not entirely agree with the experts. While I think that brain development may be a factor, I see another reason for reckless driving. I believe teenagers do not have as much to lose as adults. Teenagers generally do not have to work to support themselves and their families. Most of what they have is given to them by their parents and they don’t feel as strong a need to protect it.
I am not saying that teenagers do not appreciate the things that their parents give them. I’m merely saying that they do not feel the same attachment to their freedom as someone who earns everything they have. So, would you give your teen the keys? I’m not sure I would.
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