Am I Being Selfish if I'm Envious of My Friends' Cars? Dealing with the Responsibility
It's a common experience – you see your friends boast about their new cars and life can seem just a bit more difficult. Here's a personal take on this everyday dilemma and the duties that come with it.
Diving into the Responsibilities of Owning a Car
When it comes to owning a car, it's essential to ask yourself if you are truly prepared to bear the full weight of the responsibility. Whether it's earning a paycheck to afford a car, getting your learner's permit, or understanding the intricacies of road laws, not everyone is cut out for it.
Back in my high school days, I waited until the spring to get my learner's permit and, at 16 and a half, I was eager to drive home from school. However, my parents pushed for me to wait even longer before venturing out. The first few months were a lot to wrap my head around as I learned to avoid potential accidents and soon found myself staying close to home while on my permit. After earning my license, it was time for errands, but I quickly discovered that driving could also be a thrilling adventure – once you understand road laws and make sure to keep your eyes everywhere.
Driving Safely: The Dangers of Distractions
While driving can be a blast, it's crucial to approach it with the utmost caution. The days of texting and driving seem like ancient history, yet it's still a leading cause of accidents among young drivers. According to statistics, using a phone while driving can increase the risk of an accident by 38 times. This isn't just a hypothetical risk; I've encountered numerous situations where I nearly had to swerve to avoid almost rear-ending other drivers because they were engrossed in their phones. Now, if you put your phone on silent or off while driving, and put it in a place where you won't be distracted by it, you'll be in a much safer position.
For beginners, having a GPS is a great start, but it's even better to have someone in the car to guide you. Many people think they can do everything by themselves, but once your eyes are off the road, anything can happen in a split second. I've seen numerous young drivers get into accidents due to texting or just being on their phones. In my school days, cellphones weren't as prevalent, and accidents were often more severe, leading to fatalities.
Not Ready for the Responsibilities? Think Twice Before Relying on Parents
If you're envious of your friends' cars and you're relying on your parents to purchase them, you might find yourself not respecting your vehicle in the long run. If anything happens to the car, you won't experience it the same way as someone who has saved up for it or has the financial independence to afford it. Time will tell, and you may find that some of your friends' cars soon have dents or are totaled because they were overconfident. Rainy days and poor road conditions can compound the risk significantly.
Driving is about responsibility and respect, and it's essential to acknowledge that it's not just about you. Some reckless drivers can cause serious damage not only to their vehicle but also to others. I lost several friends due to drivers acting too cocky, and one sixteen-year-old passenger died instantly when his car jumped a hump back bridge and crashed. The severity of these accidents is a stark reminder of the risks involved.
Final Thoughts
Before you succumb to envy and jealousy over your friends' cars, ask yourself if you're truly ready to take on the responsibilities of car ownership. Just because others have the means to afford it doesn't mean you should disregard the importance of being responsible and safe on the road. Before you get behind the wheel, ensure that you are prepared to handle the challenges that will come your way. It's counterproductive to act irresponsibly and put yourself and others in danger. Instead, treat driving with the respect it deserves, and you'll not only stay safe but also enjoy the freedom that comes with responsible car ownership.