Driving: A Responsibility, Not a Luxury

By Jenna Gagne '09

We've been hearing it all over the news and all over school: more and more young people are getting killed every day. But isn't from sickness or from violence. These deaths are a direct cause of car accidents. What's happening in our world that when you open the newspaper or turn on the news, you just know you'll hear of another crash? Then there's the worst part - finding out that a Diman student or recent graduate has died. It's a scary thought for parents that their children are so eager to turn 16 and get their licenses, yet they will then be put in dangerous situations out on the road. It's a right that teens are taking way too lightly. Although you may have the freedom to drive, you do not have the freedom to be careless and irresponsible. Most teens see being able to drive as a luxury instead of what they should see it as - a responsibility. What is everybody doing wrong behind the wheel that's causing lives to be in jeopardy?

For starters, drunk driving is a cause for concern in teenage car crashes. Kids go out partying and don't think to have someone sober drive. They don't thing they've had too many, or they think they are capable of making it home safely. Sometimes you'll hear, "It's only a few miles away, you know." No matter how far you have to drive or how good you feel, never drive drunk! Just look at how many celebrities are getting arrested for DUI (Driving Under the Influence) lately. Not only is it against the law to drive drunk, but it puts your life and others' lives at risk! It only takes one drink, one mile, to kill. Remember all those commercials about being a good friend when it comes to letting friends who drink drive? "Friends don't let friends drive drunk," is what they say. Are you being a good friend? And finally, think about this: the next time you're at a party or having a party, remember that the legal age to drink is 21. If you're in high school, you shouldn't even be having this problem.

Another cause for teen car accidents is a combination of distractions and speeding. You may think you look really cool speeding down "The Ave" or racing on an abandoned road, but seriously, how cool do you think you'll look in a body bag? Driving with your friends is great, given that they are either over 21 or you've had your license for at least 6 months before they drive with you. But that also means you have another person or maybe more that you are responsible for. Eating, smoking, and using a cell phone while driving are all ways to distract you from what you should be doing: watching the road. It's bad enough with all the crazy drivers out there. The road needs your full attention all times!

Sadly, the subject of this article has hit home too many times. The Diman family has lost too many students and recent graduates to car accidents. Keep in your heart the late Eric Delisle (Class of '06) and Angela Durfee (Class of '07), who never had a chance to accept their high school diplomas due to car crashes their senior year. Remember, you still have a long life to live. Being a Diman student gives you the skills and education to do well in life and industry, giving you much reason to live out your years. The last thing you should do is neglect your responsibility behind the wheel! I hope this has been an eye-opening article and that you will be more conscious about driving safely.