In the automotive civilization of the United States the freedom and comfort that come with the ability to drive a car are strong attractions for the young driver. Some students have no public transportation available and depend on a car to get them to school. For many people, a car is a means of obtaining employment and serves as transportation to and from work, and in some cases the ability to drive a car is requisite. Driving is an asset too in the accomplishment of everyday errands.

In the last two decades social customs have changed to the degree that a car is an indispensable part of many recreational activities. Thus it might seem logical to group most teen-agers into two classes: those who hold a driver's license and those who aspire to obtain such a license.

Although young people unquestionably have the innate qualifications to drive cars, society is deeply concerned over the prevalence of accidents among young drivers. Driver education classes and behind-the-wheel training are educational endeavors that are already showing good results. But these educational procedures give only a partial answer to the problem of eliminating accidents.

For a completely satisfactory solution to this problem, one must turn to the only source of wisdom—God. According to Christian Science, God is the only creator, and all creation is eternally harmonious. This truth understood and practiced provides the answer to the problem under consideration. In his real selfhood, even the driver who is a beginner is the calm, intelligent, competent spiritual reflection of God.

Because man is essential to the completeness of God's creation, no one can in reality ever get outside this harmonious state. So when the beginner asks himself, "How can I become a safe and happy driver?" he must know that God governs all and then listen thoughtfully to God's directing.

Safety, traffic experts say, is based on mental attitudes. The Christian Scientist recognizes that it is important that no negative qualities such as poor judgment, nervousness, fear, and inattention be admitted into his consciousness. Such erroneous traits come from mortal mind and therefore have no real power.

In Science and Health, Mrs. Eddy tells us (p. 114): "Mortal mind is a solecism in language, and involves an improper use of the word mind. As Mind is immortal, the phrase mortal mind implies something untrue and therefore unreal; and as the phrase is used in teaching Christian Science, it is meant to designate that which has no real existence."

Clear judgment, forethought, patience, responsibility, controlled attention, and a sense of humor are some of the mental attitudes that need to be cultivated by one who wants to be a good driver. One must examine the thoughts that present themselves to consciousness to see whether they are in harmony with divine Mind, God, or are mortal. If mortal mind is their source, they must be rejected on the basis of their unreality.

"We have the mind of Christ," said Paul (I Cor. 2:16). Claiming this heritage of perfect Mind that Jesus, the Way-shower, demonstrated, one can entertain constructive thoughts, which, if applied to one's driving experiences, result in safety.

Still looking to God for additional guidance, one can be reminded of God's gift to man of dominion or the spiritual authority to think and act rightly. This dominion is based on the fact of God's all-power and its corollary that man as God's child reflects that power. The new driver who claims and exercises true dominion is free from fears and limitations that mortal mind would try to impose.

Besides considering metaphysical truths, the beginner of course also takes the human footsteps of obtaining proper instruction and is heedful to study and apply the best driving practices. Equipped with good training and the knowledge of his God-given dominion, he manifests safety in driving.

"You never drive alone" is a slogan often given the beginner to help him develop attitudes of safety. From the human standpoint this admonition is intended to emphasize the fact that one must bear in mind his responsibilities to other drivers and to pedestrians. But to the Christian Scientist it is a reminder of God's omnipresence. "You never drive alone" is indeed the truth. God is always present to supply the wisdom needed to make right decisions in traffic emergencies and to give love and strength with which to resolve difficulties that arise while one is driving.

The establishment and implementation of right mental attitudes bring the reward of skillful, safe driving. Driving then becomes a joyous activity, adding proficiency to working hours and pleasure to recreational hours. Vacations and week-end motor trips beckon, and how it adds to the driver's pleasure when people say that they like to ride with him because they know they will be safe! And the Christian Scientist humbly gives the glory to God for every mile of safe, pleasant driving.

A young friend of the writer's who has become a safe and happy driver gives the credit to Christian Science. She says that this Science taught her to understand that the one Mind, God, who was governing and protecting her was in reality also governing and protecting every other motorist.

Before taking her first driving lesson, she memorized the following from Science and Health (p. 424): "Accidents are unknown to God, or immortal Mind, and we must leave the mortal basis of belief and unite with the one Mind, in order to change the notion of chance to the proper sense of God's unerring direction and thus bring out harmony. Under divine Providence there can be no accidents, since there is no room for imperfection in perfection."

This friend also committed to memory this verse from the Bible (Ps. 121:8): "The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore." She says that she prayerfully contemplates this Scriptural promise each time she starts to drive the automobile. Such joy and freedom as she is experiencing in driving a car are attainable by all who will avail themselves of God's protecting care.