Driver's Ed . . . . Oh no!

The time is here whether I like it or not.

   Almost everyone learns to drive at some point in his or her life. Some of us choose to learn and then avoid the task altogether by living in an area where it's not required. However, that decision typically comes with the added curtailment of all extracurricular activities like vacations, weekend trips or other travel that might require transportation beyond what is available through the local city or metro area. For most of the population, the choice to give up that autonomy and access would be a very difficult one. For some, it's a no-brainer. The answer is just a clear and definite, "No." For others, it's not really a matter of choice. Not having transportation would make life practically impossible.

Here in Dallas where the public transit system leaves much to be desired, in part due to the shear size of the place and in part due to massive under funding, most area are hugely under-served by public transportation. In addition, the suburban city where my family lives boast an annual population growth of over 25,000 annually with most homeowner's earning a level of income that negates public transportation completely. They simply don't need it. That social and financial luck, combined with vast urban sprawl have created the necessity for residents to commute in vehicles to almost every place they might want to go . . . a person has little choice. Bicycles only work well when the temperature is less than 100 degrees and you ride in a group where it is impossible not to noticed. So . . . half the year. But the other half, when tires begin to melt on the pavement an it's not healthy to be outside for more than a few minutes (because it's 115 degrees) much less exercising - bikes are not a good idea.

Large-tract urban planning has virtually eliminated the 'local community zone' from the map making it unfeasible to consider not having a car if and when the possibility becomes available. That point is the same day most urban-dwelling teenagers reach age '15.'

Driver's Ed.

Even with all the peer-pressure and geographic requirements staring him in the face (not to mention his younger brother giving him hell on a daily basis about not taking the classes) my oldest son does not want to learn to drive. He is afraid. He tells me that he cannot be sure of the actions of other drivers. He says they do not follow the laws and or rules. He's right. He says they behave erratically. They don't communicate. They are emotional. He believes that they are clearly and wholly not reliable. He cannot help but wonder how - if other drivers do not follow the laws or the rules - he will be able to learn to navigate in an environment where he can never be sure what to expect.
I get it. It's a good question and a tough one to answer. In fact, up to today - I have no sound, reassuring answer for him because I cannot make any driving experience a black and white one for him - or anyone. I cannot fix this for him. I cannot guarantee it will be safe. I cannot tell him that every day will be a good one if he does a, b and c: Drives safely himself, keeps his car in good repair and stays alert on the road. I wish I could.

Driving is always a risk

There's just no putting it lightly. Operating a vehicle on any road regardless how it's traveled comes with inherent risk which is multiplied exponentially and directly correlates to the number of driver's on the road.
I can't even count the number of accidents I have been in. Some were bad, but in all I was very lucky. Damage to me was most times minimal -it was the vehicle that took the brunt of the destruction. But still, an accident in some form over a lifetime of driving is probably unavoidable.
I wonder which one of us is more afraid. Most days, I believe it's me who is virtually terrified. So scared.

Classes begin on June 17th.
My stomach hurts.