I was watching a football game this morning when a car commercial came on. As I was watching the commercial, I realized it, as well as all the other new car commercials I have seen the past few years, consistently display very fast and sometimes somewhat reckless driving. They also at times show drivers turning “doughnuts” either on pavement or in dirt or even speeding over sand dunes. They also extoll the virtues of high horse power.

In the time of promoting safe and economical driving as well as saving our fragile environment, I think this is sending the wrong message to new car owners, especially new, young drivers.

I remember when I was young and driving a “sports car.” I frequently drove too fast and sometimes recklessly, just like the stunt drivers in new car commercials.

I’m glad I settled down mostly when behind the wheel. I hope commercial watchers do also, and don’t try to emulate what they see in these ads.

Ken Kaiyala