“Always put on your seatbelt. It really is that simple.”
Alondra Flores, Age 17
Q: Why are you involved in the Teens in the Driver Seat® program and what do you like most about being a part of the team?
A: I have family that has been involved in car accidents due to the negligence of other drivers, even if the ones at fault in my experience were adults, I still find it important that future drivers practice safe driving practices to prevent such accidents from happening in the future.
Q: If you could change one thing about the way your friends drive or ride in the car, what would it be?
A: I would change the way they first get into the car as a rider as sometimes they will forget to put on their seatbelts but do quickly put them on when they’re reminded.
Q: What hashtags would your best friend or person you are closest to use to describe you?
A: My friends would describe me as #generous, #ally, #curious, #memorable, and #passionate.
Q: What’s the biggest life lesson you’ve learned?
A: Over the years I’ve learned the important distinction between hearing and listening. I’ve beared witness to various conversations and arguments where it has become apparent that neither party is listening to the other and have become increasingly frustrated with the other. Although they hear what the other is saying, they aren’t processing or comprehending what the other is saying, leading to a loop of them saying the same thing with growing frustration as they repeat what they say. Being able to genuinely listen to what the other person is saying, makes conversations flow smoothly and fosters a healthy relationship with both parties. Listening can sometimes be difficult but making that effort is important for progress.
Q: What would you say to inspire other teens to care more about safe driving/traffic safety?
A: In order to get other teens to care about safe driving, I would pull up real-life examples of how easy it is to lose your life in a car, whether it be by the driver’s fault or the other person’s. I would also include instances in where people were saved by properly following safe driving and riding practices.
