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Young people who don't want to drive may have it right

Times change, of course, and with it so do young people.

Often, those of us in older generations may be quick to find fault with the younger crowd. Sometimes, I think we're justified, but other times, it's simply because they don't do things the way we did. This has gone on for years, centuries even.

One growing trend shows that nationwide, the number of teens who get driver's licenses is going down. It boggles my mind. I couldn't wait to turn 16 so I could finally be free to drive anywhere I wanted, anytime I wanted (within reason, anyway).

After a recent trip along the southern portion of Interstate 57, though, I'm starting to think maybe they're on to something.

Interstate 57 has developed a reputation in recent years for the high number of fatal crashes along its corridor. I'm well aware, and I try to avoid the section that has the most wrecks, between Marion and Mount Vernon, whenever possible. South of Marion, though, in the past, I've always felt comfortable behind the wheel.

This weekend changed my mind.

We were returning from a Scouts BSA campout in Missouri where we had a tremendous time. The Scouts had a great time, and so did adult leaders.

Driving Missouri's Highway 67 past Poplar Bluff was a great scenic drive without too much traffic. Even Highway 60 between Poplar Bluff and the south end of I-57 was noteworthy only for the high quality of the roadway and pleasant driving circumstances.

Once we got onto I-57 on the return trip, though, all that went out the window. It was like our caravan of three vehicles was in some type of high-stakes competition, and our rivals on the roadway were out for blood. Cars wove in and out between semis running between 80-90 mph. Some semis forced their way into traffic when there wasn't room. Drivers would swerve across the centerline for no apparent reason, or drive down part of the shoulder. One car tried to pass us on an exit ramp as we pulled onto the relative safety of Illinois 13 at the Marion exit.

When I first got my license and could afford the gas money, I would occasionally drive down to the Sikeston area, Boomland being a huge draw for a teenager in a state that prohibited fireworks. Today, I wouldn't think about letting our son drive the same stretch of road when he turns 16.

I'm not sure what has happened, but there seems to be a common lack of courtesy when people get behind the wheel these days, and the high speeds of interstate highways amplifies it, in my opinion.

While I'm a person who loves the independence of driving, I certainly see the advantages of public transportation in those instances.

So, while I have a hard time imagining an up-and-coming driving age teen taking a pass on a driver's license, or at least putting it off for a few years, it makes more sense to me after this weekend. Maybe these kids know what they're doing after all.