Math, Sports, Music....Who Has Time to Drive?
By Chris Pascale
I’m a dad. I have four daughters from 6 to 16-years-old. I
give the middle two piano lessons, taught the older two how
to fight, and have read the same books to them I-don’t-
know-how-many times.
Along with all the things I do, I’m plagued with thoughts of
what I don’t, particularly with my oldest. I was thinking of all
of this the other day when I said to myself I should take her
out driving, but don’t have time. And that’s when it hit me—
this ridiculous notion that my daughter should be buckling
down on quadratic equations, but that driving could wait.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention, drivers from 16-19 are three times more
likely to get into an accident than those over 20.
In two or three years, our teens will be driving every day to
school and work. Some will go away to college hundreds of
miles from home. They’ll take road trips, and we’ll wish them
well.
Dad the Hypocrite
I gripe at my kids sometimes for being on their devices
(the ones I bought them), or wanting to hang out with their
friends so much (the ones I introduced them to), but I have
never gotten on my oldest about
driving because that requires my effort,
patience, and skill. I’m on the verge of sending my oldest out
into the world unprepared! By not making driving lessons a
priority I am putting her in danger, and I am not alone.
My words, my heart, and my soul say that I want the best for
her, but my actions stop where it becomes inconvenient.
It’s Time to Prioritize
Parents like me haven’t prioritized road time with our
soon-to-be drivers because we’re busy. Others are scared to
let them get behind the wheel. Whatever the factors are, the
answer is the same – our kids are going to drive one day. It’s
on us if they’ll be more experienced or less when they get
their licenses.
As for me and my daughter, we have begun getting serious
about driving – for her future, as well as the safety of others
who will share the road. I hope you’ll consider doing the
same.
Christopher Pascale is an author, accountant, and adjunct
professor from Long Island.
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Summer 2018
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