Driving is no child's play
Oftentimes we find ourselves complaining as to why we should be restricted from doing certain things just because we are underage or do not have a documented right to do it yet.
We question the grounds based on which seniors decide what is appropriate and what isn't for the people of a certain age, like how it isn't right for early teens to go out on a trip on their own, why it is inadvisable for a 13-year old to not read an adult fiction, or why a 7-year old shouldn't drink coffee.
The answer lies in the question itself. Let's consider a scenario of an underage individual in the driver's seat. Too many things can go wrong. There have been too many incidents to support the case as to why an underage person without a driver's license should not be on the steering wheel. But in case you need reminding again, here's why:
EMPTY DHAKA ROADS AREN'T A RACE TRACK
Let's face it: you are no Michael Schumacher. So it's better to refrain yourself from being the "man" behind the wheel whenever Eid comes around or late at night when Dhaka looks like a deserted land. Empty roads often prompt reckless driving which tend to end in tragedy. And couple that with not having a driver's license and you are really pushing your luck. Get an official license when you're of age and drive responsibly at all times. At the same time the learning experience before getting a license will also teach you the basic road etiquettes. Do understand that even the likes of Michael Schumacher would have had trouble driving on Dhaka streets.
PEDESTRIANS CAN BE JUST AS RECKLESS
Let's not start the blame game here already. Yes, some pedestrians are definitely at fault for not following traffic rules while crossing a road which can result in their own doom but that doesn't justify you being just as much reckless. The excitement of driving at a young age is understandable. However, our roads aren't engineered for drivers who are pumped up on adrenaline. Accidents can happen, which could lead to you being in the news for all the wrong reasons. The pedestrians may want to tempt fate by not following rules; you too have the option to be a better citizen.
IT'S ILLEGAL
A three-syllable word that tends to rub many of us the wrong way. Just think of it like this: you are an underage person with no license to support your eligibility as a driver. Yet you decide to "hit the road," breaking a handful of laws from the get go. This shows that you are not mature enough; you're not a responsible citizen of this country, hence you are not officially allowed to drive, and you should not. Being underage means you take responsibility for your actions when and if possible, and when not, have someone responsible (preferably family members) make decisions for you.
So even if every sinew in your body directs you towards that driving seat, and the rush of speeding calls out to you, try not to get carried away and drive recklessly when you have little knowledge of it. A lot of lives could be at stake and you do not want to be liable when something goes wrong.
MD. Zamilur Rahman is a self-proclaimed ambivert, foodie and comic geek. So if you have enough money to treat him with kacchi and think that 'Martha' scene from 'Batman v Superman' makes sense, he will be interested to hang out with you. Connect with him at your own risk at [email protected]
Comments