Jane Week #9 - Horsepower
There is absolutely no way everyone on our roads should truly be allowed to drive.
…is the thought I have every time I am traveling somewhere. The sheer number of vehicles out on the streets never fails to amaze me: how are these hundreds of drivers all allowed to operate multiple-ton metal vessels of mass destruction?
The Driver’s Education required in the state of California to be able to obtain a Learner’s Permit always emphasizes that “having a driver license is a privilege, not a right” (“1. Teen”).
There is absolutely no way everyone on our roads should truly be allowed to drive. Or rather, there is absolutely no way I trust everyone on our roads with my life in their hands.
It is never a comforting thought that no matter how safe the driver of the vehicle I am in drives, our safety is also reliant on that same mindset of other drivers. Although everyone is tested and screened to be able to drive, it is never a guarantee that they will follow through on their education and signed agreements. How can we say for sure the permit test and the driving lessons are going to truly be followed through?
The average vehicle averages 170 to 250 in horsepower (Evan). When that kind of power is in a person’s complete control, it is crucial to remember that not only their safety, but the safety of others is dependent on their ability to navigate the roads safely. Driving is a privilege and not a right; it can be taken away just as it was granted.
Works Cited
Evan, Walton. “What Is the Average Horsepower of a Car?” Autolist, Autolist, 14 February 2024, www.autolist.com/guides/average-car-horsepower. Accessed 14 January 2025.
Smith, Alison. “What Is Horsepower? | Horsepower Origin.” CJ Pony Parts, 5 October 2023, www.cjponyparts.com/resources/what-is-horsepower. Accessed 15 January 2025.
“1. Teen Driving Responsibility.” Teen Driving Responsibility | CA Driver Ed Class | My California Permit, www.mycaliforniapermit.com/california-teen-driver-education/teen-driving-responsibility/. Accessed 14 January 2025.
Hi, Jane! First of all, I just want to take a moment to appreciate your blog’s title. Your connection of the power of cars to horsepower is so clever, and it really hooked my attention from the very start.
ReplyDeleteReading your blog, your insight about the power that cars and drivers hold over our lives really resonated with me. Up until a few years ago, I was afraid of driving. The vulnerability, looking back, is what bothered me the most; even if someone were to drive defensively, they hold no control over the other cars, so there is never a guarantee of safety. Not only that, cars are destructive. Cases of one-sided accidents and hit-and-runs are so prevalent today. After taking my permit test a year ago, I was confused by the fact that people were allowed to drive just on the basis of a multiple-choice test about safety regulations. Honestly, cars and drivers hold an undeniable power over our lives, and this continues to unnerve me.
Overall, your blog is really well-written and relatable! I especially like how you’ve integrated other sources into it to substantiate your ideas, and your emphasis that driving is a privilege deeply resonates with me. Thank you for sharing this insight, and I look forward to reading more of your posts in the future!
Hi Jane! I found your blog title to be intriguing and eye-catching and it immediately drew me in to read more. I appreciate the connection drawn between horsepower and the danger and strength of modern day vehicles. I was surprised to learn that the average vehicle has about 170-250 in horsepower as it puts into perspective just how powerful cars are. I have not gotten my permit yet, but the idea of driving slightly worries me. I feel as though a single forty six question exam cannot be enough to determine whether I should be allowed to drive these weapons of destruction we call cars. Accidents are ranked in the top five causes of deaths in the US, revealing how prevalent and pressing the issue is. Your blog was very insightful and caused me to think deeply about the impact cars have on our daily lives. I like the way your blog is formatted, with sections or phrases being bolded to emphasize their importance. The inclusion of various sources adds to your ideas, making the work more credible and enjoyable to read.
ReplyDeleteHey Jane, your post immediately hooked me by mentioning horsepower, as I love cars and am very interested in anything to do with them. I loved your image explaining horsepower, as I have wondered about the definition of one horsepower for a while. Upon reading your post, I found myself constantly wanting to read more, as you offer a unique perspective that many people often don’t consider. I agree with your point to a certain extent, as there are a number of people on the roads who should not be let behind the wheel of any motor vehicle, but the majority of people are simply average drivers who do not cause unnecessary hazards. In addition, there is a way that drivers can protect themselves to a certain extent by being more aware of others around them, and by acting to protect an accident in advance of a potential collision.
ReplyDeleteYour post is very nice to read, and I loved the aesthetic choices about italicizing your most important thoughts and setting them aside in their own line. If you were to make this post better, I would suggest including a suggestion or recommendation to do something to deal with this issue, whether it be improving one’s own driving or taking action to account for other drivers. Overall, you have a good post that is very interesting to read.