Lesson in safe driving

I cannot begin to stress how important it is to drive safely these days.

As I near 18, most of my classmates and I will begin to get our drivers' licences and to use the privilege of driving around by car. The reason I say it is a privilege is that sadly many youngsters believe it is their right to drive.

The statistics keep on piling up as more and more traffic accidents happen. I find it quite disturbing that for such a small country, there are so many newspaper articles about traffic accidents. It is high time for Bahrain to have a wake-up call.

Too many accidents, whether due to speeding or not, are caused by youngsters; whether we like to believe it or not.

Many young people believe no harm can be done by wreckless driving and that it is OK, even in the dead of the night, to speed on the highways as if they actually own the roads. They have this mentality that 'It is OK to live a little'.

Yet many youngsters tend to forget that nothing comes without a price.

I find it quite disturbing that the only lecture or lesson that a person needs before receiving his or hers learner's permit is at the beginning of the process.

I believe that 'safe driving' should be integrated as a subject in high schools.

I realise that such classes require funds which not all schools can afford, but what the ministry and the government must realise is that it's better to pay the price now rather than suffering the consequences including death and tragedy.