Am I worrying too much or is my dad just ignorant?

Like a month ago my cars check engine light came on when I was pulling in my driveway. I told my dad and he keeps telling me to just drive it. I told him I’m worried of my engine shutting off, then I’m afraid ill hit and injure or kill someone. He just said that im worrying about something that hasn’t even happened yet and that I need to talk to my counselor about that as if im crazy or something. Well, it is already happening. My check engine light is flashing which indicates a serious problem but he doesn’t seem to understand that. I told him I researched on the internet and every source I looked at said that you aren’t supposed to drive your vehicle if the check engine light it on. He just said “well thats just their opinions” I really dont think im overreacting here.