Teens
Teenage Travels
by Dan Blankenship
When I was a teenage driver, I had three car accidents. Two of them were actually caused by my careless driving, and one I probably could have avoided if I had been watching out for the other careless driver.
Teenage drivers have been a hot topic for the last twenty years. Some states have considered raising the age at which people can legally drive a vehicle. I don’t support such a measure, but I do believe something has to be done to curb the aggressive driving tactics of some teenagers behind the wheel.
A recent study by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development showed that both male and female teen drivers were more likely to speed if another male teenager was along for the ride. I doubt most teenagers would argue with the study’s findings. After all, who wants to be teased about driving like a grandma? Yes, the NICHD claimed the results of their study found no conclusive answers as to exactly why having a male passenger caused both male and female drivers to throw caution to the wind, but we all know it is the “driving like a grandma” factor. No one, especially a teenage wants to be so accused.
“Driving like a grandma.” Is that really such a bad thing? I mean, exactly what is wrong with driving the posted speed limit, staying a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you, or actually making sure there is plenty of space to merge onto a highway? It’s not cool, that’s what’s wrong with it. Teenagers, even Christian teenagers, have been brought up in a “fast and furious” society.
Cars are no longer tools to get from point-A to point-B anymore. They are an extension of one’s personality, often stretching parents’ pocketbooks further than their budget should allow. Can’t drive a “grandma’s car” either. Could there be anything more embarrassing?
There are reasons grandmas get to be grandmas. And one of those reasons is safe driving. That should be enough incentive to ignore the urge to impress other teens that may be along for the ride.
No matter how much Hollywood tries to glamorize reckless driving, there is nothing glamorous about being involved in a serious car accident.
James 1:5 (NIV) tells us that, “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.” So if you are a teenage driver letting others influence your safety on the road, perhaps a little prayer and reading of God’s word can lead you to a knowledgeable solution.
Peer pressure in school or at home can often lead to serious trouble. Peer pressure within the confines of an automobile can sometimes lead to death. Ask God to give you the words to explain why you choose to drive in a safe manner. Hopefully, passengers in the car you are driving are mature enough to accept the good choice you’ve made. If not, suggest they find another form of transportation.
Source: http://www.nih.gov/news/pr/aug2005/nichd-24a.htm
PLEASE ENCOURAGE AUTHOR BELOW LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE
Reader Count & Comments
Date
The opinions expressed by authors do not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com. This is especially true with articles that
deal with personal healthcare and prophecy. We encourage the reader to make their own decision in consultation with God, His Word, and others as needed.
This article has been read 1308 times < Previous | Next >
Read more articles by Dan Blankenship or search for other articles by topic below.
This article has been read 1308 times < Previous | Next >
Search for articles on: (e.g. creation; holiness etc.)
Read more by clicking on a link:Free Reprints
Main Site Articles
Most Read Articles
Highly Acclaimed Challenge Articles.
New Release Christian Books for Free for a Simple Review.
NEW - Surprise Me With an Article - Click here for a random URL
God is Not Against You - He Came on an All Out Rescue Mission to Save You
...in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them... 2 Cor 5:19
Therefore, my friends, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. Acts 13:38
LEARN & TRUST JESUS HERE
FaithWriters offers Christian reading material for Christian readers. We offer Christian articles, Christian fiction, Christian non-fiction, Christian Bible studies, Christian poems, Christian articles for sale, free use Christian articles, Christian living articles, New Covenant Christian Bible Studies, Christian magazine articles and new Christian articles. We write for Jesus about God, the Bible, salvation, prayer and the word of God.