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Originally Posted by AzNMpower32
+1. Our county has sponsored this "15 minutes" program for many years for all the HS kids. To be perfectly honest, I think they're overdoing it a bit. I feel it's a kid's own responsibility to make his/her own decisions. If they make a bad choice, they need to accept the consequences. Many times they get lucky, but I feel that we're knowledgeable enough at this age to understand the great risk you take with DUI. The media attention with teenage "bad driving" is getting a bit on my nerves. They blow teenage incidents out of proportion and that makes the rest of us look like criminals.
For the record, I dont drive and drive, nor do I support it. However, I don't feel it's my duty to force other teens to act a certain way. When my friends tell me "oh I was drunk driving last night and nothing happened", I shrug it off and say "That's good. Just keep in mind, you realize it's very risky". That's my kind of response for all the stuff my friends might do. I always make the public announcement to friends "Remember to follow and obey posted speed limits and wear a seat belt"..........knowing full well they won't give a damn. And then when they come back whining about a speeding ticket or a stop-sign ticket, I just say "spare me the details. It's not like I didnt warn you"  |
I have to disagree with you. Sorry that the media makes the teenager population out to be a menace on the roads but by and large, teens are dangerous drivers. Statistics support it and common sense support it. Of course there are some very good and responsible teen drivers but think about the knuckleheads at your school and how many really aren't safe on the roads. The fact that you are responsible and safe driver will reward you with no accidents and a good driving record.
I wholeheartedly disagree with your ambivalence to your friends and classmates drinking and driving. That ambivalence is what perpetuates the problem. It is your responsibility as a human being, as their friend, and as someone who drives on the same roads as those driving under the influence you MUST make an effort to educate them and ultimately stop them. You must not turn a blind eye to it. That kid could wind up killing someone you know, someone you love, or even you. Your admonition to not drink and drive and telling them about the dangers of it may not change the person's mind but you've got to try. If you have a chance to make a difference you have to take it.
I'm off my soapbox now.