“When you’re behind the wheel, pay attention to your surroundings and the many lives in your hands.”
Mariana Dykes, Age 15
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 am involved in the Teens in the Driver Seat program because it helps give me a clearer understanding about how to drive safely as well as all of the dangers of driving. The thing I like most about being a part of the TDS TAB team is that you get to discuss your opinions about driving with other people across the country.
Q: If you could change one thing about the way your friends drive or ride in the car, what would it be?
A: If I could change one thing about the way my friends drive or ride in the car it would be that they would put their seat-belts on and drive safer.
Q: What is one life lesson you’ve learned?
A: The biggest life lesson I’ve learned is that you have to be patient in your life . Being patient has a number of advantages, one of which is that it attracts people since it is a form of kindness. It helps you establish a reputation for perseverance, improves your skill set, and allows you to make more sensible decisions so you can concentrate on your long-term objectives.
Q: Who do you look up to and why?
A: The person I look up to is my mom. I look up to my mom because she is an amazing person. She is also an amazing person because she always thinks of others before herself, something I struggle with doing.
Q: What would you say to inspire other teens to care more about safe driving/traffic safety?
A: To inspire other teens to care more about safe driving/traffic safety I would tell them to really just pay attention to their surroundings and who is in the car with them and if there is someone to just think about their lives being in your hands.
