By L.C. Gillespie

Driving is scary. At least it should be, particularly for a beginning driver. I didn't learn to drive until I was in my 20s. After I did, being a passenger became a terrifying experience. There are some things about driving you simply don't realize until you've become one yourself. Like how easy it is to do something stupid that can get you killed. Or -- how stupid other drivers are. Or that a car is a lethel weapon that doesn't come with a built-in auto driver that takes over should you forget something crucial or, more likely, do something stupid. The sins of commission are probably greater than the sins of ommission when you're behind the wheel of a car, but don't count on it. I have a daughter who turned 17 a month ago. When she was 15 she started talking about "when I'm 16 and have my licence..." This terrified me more than anything. As an over-protective parent (she is an only child ), I was not prepared for the idea that babies(16-year olds are so babies) drive cars. Some even do it drunk, and a lot of them die. Have you seen the stats for the 16-24 age group lately, when it comes to motor vehicle accidents? For the parent of someone in that age range the stats are terrifying, a lot higher than for the rest of us, in terms of both accidents and fatalities. So, in case there are some of you out there who are new to the driving game and could use some advice (I know! I know! You're 17 and know everything already!), please pay attention, if only so you'll live long enough to know nothing. Most importantly: assume the other driver is going to do something stupid, they often do. In other words always-- I repeat always-- drive defensively.. Secondly, it's tempting to gawk as you drive along, checking out whatever scenery is appealing to you, be it babes or the rolling countryside. Don't. Keep your eyes either ahead through the windshield or on the rear-view mirror. Restrict shoulder-checks to brief glances. My third piece of advice is not to get lazy about signalling, or shoulder checking or -- this is a really bad habit of older drivers--tailgating. All of these are potentially fatal for you, and some are major causes of road rage, which could also be fatal. My fourth piece of advice was illustrated forcefully by novelist John Irving in his latest novel, A Widow For One Year: When you're waiting to make a left turn, do not turn your wheels until you've actually got the car moving and have started the turn. Why? Because if you're hit from behind and your wheels have already been turned, you're going to be pushed into the on-coming traffic. If your wheels are pointing straight (as they should be) you'll simply be pushed forward in your own lane or into the meridian. The difference between life and death is often something very simple. Finally, remember to err on the side of caution, drive for the conditions. If you have something to prove or some emotional baggage to work out, don't do it behind the wheel of a car. "Too soon dead, too late Schmardt", to adapt an old adage so that it's relevant for drivers. Dead ones.