Teen Drivers
Teen Drivers in Greenfield
By: Omar Garcia
Due to the extreme number of teens who drive illegally, it’s just not possible to document how many in our state are driving without a license. In total about 11.6 percent of crashes are caused by teen drivers in California. In 2020, Californians aged 15 to 24 were responsible for 23% of all motor vehicle occupant injuries and fatalities. This group makes up about 14% of the state's population and this raises a question. Why do many teens choose to drive illegally? What role does the lack of resources play in Teenagers obtaining a legal document? Does it have something to do with Psychology or morals?
What Does the Law Say?
My personal experience tells me most of the student drivers in GHS are not in possession of a license. Even if it is notable who has a license and who does not. A police officer cannot stop someone unless they have probable cause or reasonable suspicion. These include reckless driving, stolen vehicles, etc.
According to CHP, it is possible to obtain a $ 1,000 fine and up to 6 months in jail if a person is caught driving without a license. Officer Joseph Dyles, our School Resource Officer states, “...a court for both Parent/Guardians and the minor will be held. If the driver happens to be a minor, parents might be charged.” There are consequences for minors too. However, those in charge of the minor can suffer them as well.
Causes of Illegal Driving
A look at why students will not get their license might be confusing as everyone has their own issues in life. Even if we all come from diverse backgrounds, our ideas as a community are similar. Janet S. Matos, Principal of GHS, mentions that some parents will continue to act neglectfully and not insert discipline into their kids. As a result, the child will grow up in an unhealthy environment and engage in unlawful actions as their parents do not enforce morals and authority.
Additionally, when students come to school, they should learn critical thinking, math, English, etc, not responsibility or ethics. Our Principal Ms. Matos believes that education starts at home. Parents should start them young so that they become law-abiding citizens. Without parents, school is not able to raise others’ kids if they refuse to understand the key to a good human being.
What Must be Done
Why would you risk your life and others when you can prevent getting in trouble with law enforcement? There are many ways to be helped. Nowadays, due to advancements in technology, we have the power of the world at the reach of our fingertips. You can search for anything you want and in the span of milliseconds, you have an answer. It is easier to obtain information about local laws and even driving education. Alexis Lomeli, a Junior, and student driver at Greenfield High School has acquired his driving permit. If you know the right people, and information you can figure anything out. According to Lomeli, "Once you obtain your pink slip online, you can officially start your permit application.” By completing a Drivers Ed Course online, you can finally begin the process of getting your Driving permit.
Many times, as well, there is a lack of information about drivers' education. For example, here, in Greenfield High School, we lack resources and information on ways to obtain a driver's license. School Principal Janet Matos mentioned that school budget cuts led to the loss of this very applicable program years ago. In fact, few people might know that just this year Drivers Ed is back. We need to find ways of expanding useful information that can benefit everyone's life for the better.