Hey, Teen Driver!
So, you got your very first traffic ticket.
Well, here's a tip - If you are as SMART and COOL as you THINK you are,
make it your LAST!Welcome to "civilization "–that’s what they call it when society has rules, laws, and consequences for breaking them.
What did you get "busted" for? Were you speeding?
Did you run a STOP sign - a red light?
Were you driving with your radio turned up TOO LOUD?
(Don't laugh - driving too loud is actually against the law in some cities.)
Oh well, look on the bright side – You’re still ALIVE.
Many people who break traffic laws don’t LIVE to get a ticket.
(We're glad you did - live, that is - not glad you got a ticket.)If this is your first citation and you are REALLY lucky, the Judge will most likely reduce the fine, put you on probation, and make you write a 500 word theme on a topic like,
"Driving is a Privilege – Not a Right."Of course, you THANKED the judge for this second chance. You know, he could easily have slapped you (or your parents) with a hefty fine ($$$), taken away your driver’s license, or both – not to mention what a traffic ticket on your driving record does to your insurance rates. (ouch!)
Yeah, yeah, we know – you would rather eat socks than write a theme.
Well, what did you expect – that the judge would require you to watch "Dawson's Creek" and order yourself a pizza??? Wrong!
The whole idea is that you have to do something UN-FUN, if not downright difficult.
That’s where writing this paper comes in.First of all, don’t even THINK ABOUT writing a paper on how much you "hate that mean ol' cop who busted" you, and how " unfair" it all is.
Three words: Get over it.Come on, the court reduced (or eliminated) your fine, the ticket isn't going on your record, your insurance rates are stable (so far), and you still have your license.
You broke the law. You can’ get off completely scot-free.
So, write the dad-gummed theme, already!Okay, you’re staring at a blank sheet of paper, thinking that 500 words on a single topic will never-ever come to you.
No prob – I can talk you through this – or, rather, question you through it.
I’ve put together some questions, which, if you answer them in complete sentences, should result in the necessary driving theme of at least 500 words.Remember – Write your answers in complete sentences, and if the question brings to mind other ideas, definitely, write them. Express your feelings.
You may think you don’t really have any particular thoughts on the subject. But, as you answer these questions, you may be surprised at how many opinions you have about the privilege of driving.Okay?
Okay.
Gentlemen, start your PENCILs:
What is your name?
(Remember – complete sentences - example: My name is Speedy Driver.)
- How old are you?
(I told you this would be EASY!)
- When did you get your driver’s license?
(Be specific, like: "I got my license just after I turned 16 last August.")
- When you were little, did you have a tricycle, hot wheels, etc.?
- If so, did you enjoy playing on those wheeled toys, and why?
- How old were you when you learned to ride a bike?
- How did you feel about riding a bike? (Did you feel brave? Free? Did it make you feel big?)
- How did you feel when you first got your learner’s permit to drive a car? Did you feel stressed out about having your parent (or other adult) in the front seat with you? Or did that give you a sense of comfort, knowing a more experienced driver was there with you?
- When you got your REAL license, how did you feel? (Happy? Excited? A sense of freedom and independence? Did you feel more mature, as though you had taken a big step toward becoming an adult? Did you feel a greater sense of responsibility? If so, was that a rewarding feeling – or was it a scary thought?)
- . What do you like best about driving?
(Do you like driving because it makes your friends think you're "cool?" Because you can help out your family with errands?)- . Would you feel safe on the streets if 12-year-olds were legally able to drive?
If not, why not?
- . What do you think are the most important qualities for a driver to have - and why?
(Would it be best for drivers to be calm? mature? coordinated? Have good eyesight? Tall? Selfish or unselfish? Should they be focused or easily distracted? ? ? )
- . How much does the average car weigh?
(The answer to this one is about two thousand pounds.)
Now, considering the weight of the average vehicle (we're talking WAAAY more
than a bicycle, here), does that make a car a potentially dangerous weapon?
Why? How?
- . Do you think it is especially important to reduce your speed in residential areas (neighborhoods) and school zones?
- . How did you feel when the officer pulled you over and gave you the ticket?
(Were you angry? Embarrassed? Scared? Hint: It's REALLY a good idea to be humble here, and just ADMIT that you were scared, or felt like crying, or whatever...
And even if you weren't scared - then SAY IT ANYWAY - out of respect - you gotta learn when to "suck up" in this life!)
- . If you were to get another traffic ticket, and the court took away your driver’s license, would you be embarrassed to admit it to your friends?
- . Besides embarrassing you to death, how would your life change, if the court
DID take away your driver's license?
Okay. Now, sign your name on the paper, and turn it in to the Court.
And STOP that speeding - or whatever you did.
'Cause you won't get off this easy next time.
Did all this thinkin' & writing give you a headache?
Then, better visit the Migraine Marquee - maybe even order a tee-shirt.
Better yet, get your parents one! You've already given them the headache.
