Ricky Beltran, 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: A year ago my friend Isel was driving down the highway at 80 mph. She was texting and was so focused on her phone that she never noticed a rig in front of her and drove right into it. I hope that in this program I can spread driving knowledge and stop another teen from suffering the way Isel did. I love that in this team we get to preach and spread good tips for driving.
Q: If you could change one thing about the way your friends drive or ride in the car, what would it be?
A: I wish my friends would just slow down, instead of speeding all the time. Many of my friends love to drift and race down the highways. I hope that one day they realize that what they are doing is dangerous.
Q: Where do you see yourself in five years?
A: In five years, I hope to be Finishing my degree at the University of Texas at Austin. I am going to study for my bachelors in Bio-chemistry.
Q: Who do you look up to?
A: I look up to Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez very much because she was one of the youngest people to join congress. She was elected as a representative for the house at only 29 years old. AOC was a bartender, and she managed to work hard and get elected. To me this is a huge inspiration, because this shows that no matter your background or social status, if you have a goal and work hard, you can achieve it.
Q: What would you say to inspire other teens to care more about safe driving/traffic safety?
A: Driving isn’t a fun game for us to play. We use cars for transportation, and if we use them irresponsibly, bad things are bound to happen.
