Houston regularly ranks among the top cities in the U.S. for the worst drivers. For high school students, this can prove difficult to the development of their driving skills. Driving in the Houston area has caused teenagers to learn how to drive in a more cautious and unique way.
Senior Maggie Scott drives every day, but a few accidents have caused Scott to have a negative view on driving.
“One time I was driving in the rain for the very first time in my Jeep,” Scott said. “I hydroplaned and I almost hit someone. So instead of hitting someone, I swerved and overcorrected, and then hit a house.”
The house was barely damaged, and no one was injured. Her parents luckily were able to pay for the damages, but Scott did have to go to court. She used that experience to improve and become a better driver.
“I’m pretty good at focusing on the road and not getting distracted, which is a miracle for me,” Scott said. “My friends don’t think I’m the best driver, but I’m not as bad as I used to be.”
DRIVING TEST
One of the hardest things for teenagers is getting a license. The pressure of the test or the feeling of unreadiness causes them to struggle or even avoid signing up for the test. Even if prepared, one little mistake during the test can cause a student to fail.
Senior Exa Nix had many difficulties during her first driver’s test. She said she felt nervous and made a few mistakes. At first, it was a turn into the outside lane, which is a common mistake during the test. Then, she made another error that led to a failing score.
“I was turning into the place, they had a middle turn lane and I had never used one of those before,” Nix said. “There was an establishment and so what do I do? Whipped that sucker around and dive bombed into this establishment.”
Nix failed her first test but did not let that deter her. She went back for a second time and passed it with ease.
“I passed it, it was fine,” Nix said. “I think I failed the first one because I was just nervous.”
HOUSTON HIGHWAYS
As if driving was not already hard enough for teens, driving in the Houston area is a massive challenge. Ranked as having some of the worst drivers in the country, Houston creates unique issues for teen drivers.
Senior Dylan Gonzales had a crazy experience when he was driving on the highway.
“I was driving on the freeway and we were going 60, 65 miles per hour,” Gonzales said. “Out of nowhere, this car right next to me goes up in smoke and flames.”
There were no casualties and everyone made it out of the vehicle safely. Gonzales has never forgotten the moment, and now he has strong feelings when it comes to driving in Houston. He used to live closer to the city before moving to Kingwood.
“I’ve never seen bad drivers so collective,” Gonzales said. “You have to react super fast because it’s like the dumbest people will make the dumbest moves. You get racers, you get people who can’t drive, people who will pass you up like nothing.”
Teenagers are split between whether they like or dislike driving. Nix was thrilled to drive, before reality set in.
“When I first started driving, I was so excited, I was driving everywhere,” Nix said. “But now that I have younger siblings, I’m driving my family members everywhere.”
Gonzales loves driving, and he finds driving relaxes him.
“I think it’s just relaxing,” Gonzales said. “It puts you in the state of mind where you’re just trying to cruise. When you’re trying to get to a place, you don’t have to remember or think about anything other than driving.”
PRACTICE IS KEY
Even with all the potential danger and stress, driving is still an important part of life. New drivers remind others that everybody will make mistakes and that accidents can happen.
“Don’t be afraid to practice,” Nix said. “When I was first starting out, I didn’t want to drive. It took me so long to get prepared for my driving test since I was so scared to even ask to drive. If your parents are ok with it, ask (to practice).”
