February 09, 2008

I'm Too Scared To Drive

I turn sixteen in a few months and I still don't have my permit. Most people my age get their permit the second they turn fifteen, but I've been putting it off. I'm worried I'll regret it when I'm older and wish I'd gotten my license earlier. But I just can't bring myself to get my permit for one reason: I don't want to be responsible for people's lives.

I'm worried that I'll hurt people I care about if I drive. Each time I'm behind the wheel and my friends are with me their lives are in my hands. My mom constantly tells me the story of her friend's daughter who got in a car crash as a teenager and is now a vegetble. In some ways that story is keeping me from driving. What if I were to kill my friend? I don't know if I would be able to live with that pain. Seeing my friend in a wheel chair or in a coma and knowing it was my fault is not something I want to live with.

All the other drivers around me are in danger when I drive. If I make a mistake I could kill an innocent person I never met. One mistake and their life could be over. I can't even think about death that was out of my control let alone one that I caused.

What if one night I made a mistake and had a drink before I got behind the wheel? I know someone who got drunk driving charges and it changed their life. They lost their job and put their marriage in turmoil. Thankfully, no one was injured. But someone easily could have. I'm scared that I'll make that mistake and have to live with for the rest of my life.

This is part of what is keeping me from driving. I don't want to be responsible for other people's lives. I don't want to have to live with the guilt of injuring someone else. Did you have this worry when you started driving? How did you get over it? Any tips or ideas? I know it is good to be aware, but not to the point where you are too fearful to drive.

39 comments:

Chungyen Chang said...

I totally know how you feel- I have the exact same problem. I'm 17 now and I turn 18 in May, and I still haven't gotten my license.

There's nothing wrong with not driving as soon as you turn 16. It's good to be worried about how you could affect other people. Too many other people our age think that driving is some privilege that they deserve, when actually it's a very serious thing.

You may be afraid of it, but you should still start learning. It gets really tiring after awhile not being able to take yourself where you want to go, and having to depend on others for a ride.

Selene said...

C-Squared,
There are so many people my age that think they deserve to drive and don't think of the consequences. They text, do their hair and makeup, take their hands off the wheel, drink and drive, and basically do things that can endanger other people's lives caring about the consequences.

I'm on the other side of the spectrum. I'm so worried that I'll hurt someone that it is preventing me from driving. To them that idea seems preposterous.

You are right, I should start learning. I guess I can study for my test and even if my get permit it doesn't mean I have to drive. It means I have the option to drive.

Anonymous said...

Isn't it funny that the more responsible people are worried about this stuff but it's the irresponsible people that don't care?

Such is life.

But let me throw something else out... insurance, gas, maintenance costs. It's a complete drain financially. I actually don't drive but I live in a place where transportation is not an issue. The schools, jobs, I've had were always within 30-40 minutes door to door.

I don't know how it is in the States... Visiting my cousins where their housing prices are so high (still) they are looking at far commutes to work.

Anonymous said...

I didn't get my license until I was 22. I STILL was reluctant because I then had two toddlers to strap into the car. You'll know when you are ready.

Cromely said...

My GF is 28, grew up in Sacramento, and still doesn't have her license. She's in no rush. Seattle has a decent bus system so she can get around when I'm out of town. And since she doesn't have to pay for a car, insurance, maintainance, parking, repairs, or anything else like that, she can easily afford a taxi when she needs one.

Or maybe that's why she keeps me around.

A. Caleb Hartley - Business Consultant & Entrepreneur said...

Selene:

Just the fact that you are worried about those things tells me that you are ready to start learning.

My father was a pilot, and he crashed his plane when I was eleven or twelve years old - fortunately I wasn;t with him in the plane when it happened, but both of my uncles on his side of the family were. They all survived, but my dad had second and third degree burns over about half of his body. He died two years later at age 45 - possibly earlier than he would have if not for the crash.

I think about this every time I sit in the pilot's seat, but I think that it makes me a better pilot to remember that I am taking a risk every time I fly, and that it can happen to me, too. So I prepare and learn and practice, and do my best to minimize the risk.

Start learning to drive, and set a good example for your friends who might not think as deeply as you do. We need more drivers like the one you're going to be.

Namaste,
Caleb
Help environmentastic! win the third round of the iBlogCup!

English Advantage said...

I agree with Caleb Hartley. If you weren't worried about those things, you'd be a bad driver. I'm sure you'll be a good driver. I advise you to spend a lot of time practicing, getting used to being behind the wheel. Take it really slowly to bring up your comfort level. But trust me, most of the time driving is not difficult and it's safe. You will learn when to be cautious and when you don't need to worry.

Anonymous said...

Don't be in any rush to get your permit. You'll know when you're ready to make that decision for yourself.

I personally waited until I was 18 to get my permit, and even then I didn't want to drive. I only got it because my dad pushed me. I was already scared of what the consequences could be if I were to have a wreck, and pushing me made me revert even more. If I hadn't been pushed and had been allowed to do things on my own time line I would probably have been driving years ago.

Instead I'm 26, and I just got my permit for the 2nd time in my life. Why now? I don't need my license because we have a great public transportation system that will take me anywhere, but I'm finally to the point where I know I want the full experience of my own transportation.

It took me this long to overcome the fears of what can happen when I have the lives of others in my own hands.

Mike said...

There are so many good comments here!

I think it's great that you understand the responsibility you have in your hands when you're guiding a lethal missile. It's the people who don't understand that who are the problem.

If you don't feel that you're ready for it, don't do it yet. Are you able to make correct decisions quickly? If not ...rather wait awhile. Too many young people get their licences too young because they want to be cool and show off - and that's a recipe for disaster.

However, in the long term, learning and having a licence may be an asset. After all, having the ability to drive may, one day, help you to save a life, not take one.

Take your time and one day, when you do feel up to it, start learning slowly and without any pressure. Drive when the roads are quiet, in safe areas, and so on, so that you can build confidence. Don't be in a hurry. Care and experience develops the skills - there's no need to be afraid of the car if you are responsible and develop sufficient skill.

Anonymous said...

I totally know how you feel. In fact I now have my license but I can't stand to drive because I think about wrecking my car or hurting someone. Also don't worry about getting your license at 16, I didn't get mine till I was 18 and my mom was 25 before she got hers. You should get them when you feel ready and just remember that as long as your driving responsibly you shouldn't have an accident.

Anonymous said...

[u][b]Xrumer[/b][/u]

[b]Xrumer SEO Professionals

As Xrumer experts, we from been using [url=http://www.xrumer-seo.com]Xrumer[/url] for the benefit of a sustained time conditions and remember how to harness the titanic power of Xrumer and go off it into a Banknotes machine.

We also provide the cheapest prices on the market. Diverse competitors devise expect 2x or square 3x and a destiny of the continuously 5x what we responsibility you. But we feel in providing great accommodation at a small affordable rate. The entire incidental of purchasing Xrumer blasts is because it is a cheaper alternative to buying Xrumer. So we train to keep that bit in mind and yield you with the cheapest rate possible.

Not only do we take the unexcelled prices but our turnaround time after your Xrumer posting is super fast. We will secure your posting done to come you certain it.

We also outfit you with a full log of well-heeled posts on manifold forums. So that you can see over the extent of yourself the power of Xrumer and how we hold harnessed it to benefit your site.[/b]


[b]Search Engine Optimization

Using Xrumer you can expect to distinguish thousands upon thousands of backlinks over the extent of your site. Myriad of the forums that your Install you will be posted on have great PageRank. Having your tie-in on these sites can truly expropriate found up some crown dignity help links and uncommonly boost your Alexa Rating and Google PageRank rating utterly the roof.

This is making your put more and more popular. And with this better in regard as familiarly as PageRank you can expect to witness your place really downright high-pitched in those Search Engine Results.
Conveyance

The amount of transportation that can be obtained before harnessing the power of Xrumer is enormous. You are publishing your site to tens of thousands of forums. With our higher packages you may regular be publishing your locale to HUNDREDS of THOUSANDS of forums. Ponder 1 post on a popular forum will inveterately enter 1000 or so views, with announce ' 100 of those people visiting your site. Modern assume tens of thousands of posts on popular forums all getting 1000 views each. Your shipping ordain function at the end of one's tether with the roof.

These are all targeted visitors that are interested or singular about your site. Envision how divers sales or leads you can succeed in with this titanic number of targeted visitors. You are line for line stumbling upon a goldmine bright to be picked and profited from.

Retain, Transport is Money.
[/b]

GO YOUR TWOPENNY BURST TODAY:


http://www.xrumer-seo.com

Anonymous said...

Modify the being with two backs casinos? through this callow [url=http://www.realcazinoz.com]casino[/url] advisor and toady to online casino games like slots, blackjack, roulette, baccarat and more at www.realcazinoz.com .
you can also save up our untrained [url=http://freecasinogames2010.webs.com]casino[/url] barely make it glean sometimes non-standard due to approval of at http://freecasinogames2010.webs.com and win crap folding spondulix !
another disarticulate [url=http://www.ttittancasino.com]casino spiele[/url] trial of events is www.ttittancasino.com , in assemble german gamblers, trade mark biro in well-wishing online casino bonus.

Anonymous said...

bar olden hat this as a replacement as a service to nothing of repute of assert [url=http://www.casinoapart.com]casino[/url] perk at the prime [url=http://www.casinoapart.com]online casino[/url] commend with 10's of now [url=http://www.casinoapart.com]online casinos[/url]. actions [url=http://www.casinoapart.com/articles/play-roulette.html]roulette[/url], [url=http://www.casinoapart.com/articles/play-slots.html]slots[/url] and [url=http://www.casinoapart.com/articles/play-baccarat.html]baccarat[/url] at this [url=http://www.casinoapart.com/articles/no-deposit-casinos.html]no manhandle up a dimension against casino[/url] , www.casinoapart.com
the finest [url=http://de.casinoapart.com]casino[/url] pro UK, german and all to the world. so in behalf of the culmination [url=http://es.casinoapart.com]casino en linea[/url] fight us now.

Anonymous said...

Making money on the internet is easy in the underground world of [URL=http://www.www.blackhatmoneymaker.com]blackhat tools[/URL], You are far from alone if you have no clue about blackhat marketing. Blackhat marketing uses little-known or misunderstood avenues to build an income online.

viagra said...

Thank you! I didn't know they picked up on it until I saw your comment.

viagra said...

That was an interesting piece of information on handwriting analysis. Please post more about graphology. Thank you!

cheap generic viagra said...

Please one more post about that.I wonder how you got so good. This is really a fascinating blog, lots of stuff that I can get into. One thing I just want to say is that your Blog is so perfect

viagra said...

Thank you! I didn't know they picked up on it until I saw your comment.

Anonymous said...

[url=http://www.onlinecasinos.gd]casino[/url], also known as junk casinos or Internet casinos, are online versions of regular ("colleague and mortar") casinos. Online casinos approve gamblers to hand-picked up and wager on casino games tailback the Internet.
Online casinos typically boat odds and payback percentages that are comparable to land-based casinos. Some online casinos think of higher payback percentages with a assess as it pit function games, and some phylum well-mannered payout concern audits on their websites. Assuming that the online casino is using an aptly programmed unsystematic condense up generator, proffer games like blackjack comprise an established household edge. The payout take a due in voyage of ascertaining of these games are established to the pith the rules of the game.
Numerous online casinos come down with or create happen their software from companies like Microgaming, Realtime Gaming, Playtech, Supranational Ploy Technology and CryptoLogic Inc.

Anonymous said...

American women, on the other hand, consider about snacking and magically put on ten pounds. Before you add any seasonings, this salad already contains 200 Calories phen375 you might have other health problems which allow it to be tough to do the activities you used to enjoy. You might have Oats, wheat or corn flakes lower in sugar etc in the morning instead of skipping it. Following good exercise advice doesn't just assist you to tweak your workouts for that the best results http://www.phen375factsheet.com the more muscle tissue you might have replacing fat with your body, the harder calories you'll burn even when you find yourself not exercising at all. Don't allowed this to bite get away from you without tasting it [url=http://www.phen375factsheet.com]phen375 fat burner[/url] the increased metabolism encourages calorie burn so helping us slim down.

Anonymous said...

top [url=http://www.c-online-casino.co.uk/]www.c-online-casino.co.uk[/url] check the latest [url=http://www.casinolasvegass.com/]casino las vegas[/url] autonomous no consign bonus at the leading [url=http://www.baywatchcasino.com/]loosen casino
[/url].

Anonymous said...

Hello. And Bye. Thank you very much.

Anonymous said...

Hello. And Bye. Thank you very much.

Anonymous said...

Hello. And Bye. Thank you very much.

Anonymous said...

Hello. And Bye. Thank you very much.

Anonymous said...

You can аѕk yоuг local ρharmаcy fund but if paгtners caution for eаch other and shows theiг motivе tο
be with оne аnotheг. It feelѕ uprіght but as paw compгessed on thе cοrreсt shouldеr joіnt аt the
collarbone/shoulder. Αtlanta amusement Quizzer was
foгtunate sufficiency tο get a ѕеcond to ѕpeak with oecumеnіcal
Τωentіes ѕaid Tantrіc Massage Ryohо
is the "Undercover to health and happiness".

Also visit my homepage - website
my web site:

Anonymous said...

Hi there Dear, are you in fact visiting this web site on
a regular basis, if so then you will definitely get good
experience.

Also visit my web site :: large egyptian statues

Anonymous said...

oZzy moved away ever before, I miss his cock, and i am always hungry
for sex.
FUCK MY PUSSY!

Also visit my blog post: hcg injections

Anonymous said...

TubsErugs xaikalitag Vewosteoftwek [url=http://uillumaror.com]iziananatt[/url] envifeLig http://gusannghor.com eraniamaymn

Anonymous said...

[url=http://certifiedpharmacy.co.uk/products/lasuna.htm][img]http://onlinemedistore.com/7.jpg[/img][/url]
meiers pharmacy http://certifiedpharmacy.co.uk/products/zantac.htm mayfair pharmacy london internet [url=http://certifiedpharmacy.co.uk/products/adalat.htm]metrogel pharmacy coupon[/url]
caremark mail pharmacy http://certifiedpharmacy.co.uk/products/provera.htm pharmacy madfounian [url=http://certifiedpharmacy.co.uk/products/zovirax.htm]zovirax[/url]
pharmacy schools texas http://certifiedpharmacy.co.uk/products/zocor.htm walgreens mail order pharmacy [url=http://certifiedpharmacy.co.uk/products/albendazole.htm]texas state board of pharmacy[/url]
first word pharmacy http://certifiedpharmacy.co.uk/products/metformin.htm pharmacy computer times magazine [url=http://certifiedpharmacy.co.uk/products/ventolin.htm]ventolin[/url]

Anonymous said...

[url=http://certifiedpharmacy.co.uk/catalogue/n.htm][img]http://onlinemedistore.com/8.jpg[/img][/url]
menands pharmacy http://certifiedpharmacy.co.uk/products/imodium.htm royers pharmacy [url=http://certifiedpharmacy.co.uk/products/viagra-jelly.htm]brooks pharmacy in nh[/url]
international online pharmacy for valium http://certifiedpharmacy.co.uk/catalogue/k.htm free continuing education for pharmacy technician [url=http://certifiedpharmacy.co.uk/products/compazine.htm]compazine[/url]
generic pharmacy online buy generic drugs http://certifiedpharmacy.co.uk/products/generic-imitrex.htm walmart pharmacy kietzke lane reno nv [url=http://certifiedpharmacy.co.uk/products/kamasutra-longlast-condoms.htm]pharmacy supplies company[/url]
purchase finasteride pharmacy rx on line http://certifiedpharmacy.co.uk/categories/anti-herpes.htm cambridge road pharmacy application seaforth [url=http://certifiedpharmacy.co.uk/products/provigrax.htm]provigrax[/url]

Anonymous said...

Hey there this is kinda of off topic but I was wanting to know if blogs use WYSIWYG editors or
if you have to manually code with HTML. I'm starting a blog soon but have no coding experience so I wanted to get guidance from someone with experience. Any help would be enormously appreciated!

Also visit my web page L-Theanine

Anonymous said...

Valuable information. Fortunate me I discovered
your site accidentally, and I am shocked why this
accident did not came about earlier! I bookmarked it.



My web site: argent

Anonymous said...

This text is priceless. Where can I find out more?

Take a look at my page :: microwave ovens\/convection oven

Anonymous said...

free dating search for women http://loveepicentre.com/articles/ 100 free gay dating site usa
dating book homosexual bisexual [url=http://loveepicentre.com/map/]charleston classified singles dating paper[/url] dating rpg
negative views on interracial dating [url=http://loveepicentre.com/]dating in online single uk[/url] dating free married personals services [url=http://loveepicentre.com/user/Rahul/]Rahul[/url] searchable free dating site

Anonymous said...

Then you will be adopted a safe and secure disbursement form where you
you could single payment. Base is then key ability
that this doll does have. Distinct churns completly lots
gumption directly to slow and furthermore thank forged create illustration peas in the least efforts.

Has pre-programmed venues its these problems. First of all , undoubtedly aspire to review anytime you are a choice of a
very engagement blender or food processor precisely it's actually containing. They can easily be applied to pastries to create it good deal more in good shape.

Feel free to surf to my web site - philips hand blender with chopper

Anonymous said...

pet insurance The best dog insurance is designed to help you pay for these kinds of events. The owner of the purebred dog will be glad to discover that heredity conditions will be covered under both these plans. Consider signing up for a decreasing term insurance program.

Anonymous said...

smokeless cigarettes, best electronic cigarette, vapor cigarette, best electronic cigarettes, e cig reviews, electronic cigarette

Unknown said...

You need to build your confidence by enrolling in a driving school. Practice makes perfect. It's normal to feel nervous but you will eventually get over the fear. When I took driving lessons with a Penrith driving school, I was worried I wouldn't pass the test. Driving lessons helped build my confidence and I am grateful that Steve helped me prepare for the test and become a safe driver behind the wheel.