These Are the Driving Tips You'd Give Your 16-Year-Old Self

Photo: sv1ambo, CC BY 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

“Mom’s car (1980? Datsun 510 Wagon) is a death trap! Do NOT drive it fast, slow w-a-y down around turns. Borrow dad’s car: (also 1980? 1979? Toyota Celica GT) It’s got a stick and it’s quick and fun to drive!”

One afternoon, I borrowed my mom’s car. It had been raining and I was driving to visit a friend. I took a turn too quick (at least for that car!) and the front end just pushed and I ran into a telephone control box (basically, there were only landlines back then and this is what part of the whole neighborhood was connected to). I damaged the left front end, only let my friend know what happened (or did I? It’s been over 40 years), called my mom (again: I’m hazy on this) and took it to a service shop (that was actual).

Moments later, 5-0 rolls up on 17 year-old me (I’m 5’3″ at the time) acting all aggressive like I’m the most wanted. Fortunately my hit-and-run (“What? Me? That did not happen, honest!”) did not result in handcuffs and tears. But, wow, my mom was pissed off at the way the police behaved.

It could have been worse: I could have been a young, Black male in the San Fernando Valley…

Also: my parents didn’t get mad at me, they were just grateful that I was uninjured. Phew!

The worst part of this, given that you weren’t hurt, is that the Datsun was. They aren’t making any more of those, y’know.

Submitted by: NotLewisHamilton