Teenage Drivers

[Stave]

Partly in response to your article and partly because my own son is learning to drive, I felt I wanted to contribute on this subject.

The statistics for teenage driving accidents are horrific and yes, we must all do something to address the matter. However, as responsible parents WE need to be dealing with the issue and not leaving it to draconian legislation that penalises all.

The first thing we have to do is NOT to leave the training entirely to a Driving Instructor. I hold Instructors in very high regard but the system encourages them to get your son or daughter to pass their test, not to become a good driver. So, whilst the Instructor can teach those technical issues such as reversing around a corner or into a parking space, we as parents must become instructors too, spending time with our child whilst they drive on the public highway, passing on our wisdom and our own experiences. For example, when I learned to drive (at the ripe old age of 26), I never drove at over 30mph because my driving test was to be on suburban roads and that's where my instructor taught me, to ensure I passed my test. Given that on the day I passed my test I could get on the M1 and drive at 70mph, my training wasn't exactly comprehensive. So, the first thing I did with my 17 year old son was sat with him whilst he drove on 60mph road at 55mph. You might think that a little reckless with such a new driver, but as soon as he sheds those learner plates everyone else on the road will expect him to drive at those speeds so my aim is to make him aware of real driving situations.

I have been careful not to contradict any advice his driving instructor has given him and I've had to to be positive at all times. I've spoken with him about driving preparation, about comfort when driving and about how he feels when he's completed a journey. My only real concern was his attitude when he had a friend in the car; the show off factor came into play and I've really had to work on that area, but I think I'm making progress there.

So my point is this; if we take time to share our own experience with our children, encourage them and work on their perceptions, then we have as big a role to play as the driving instructors, examiners and the government in getting the dreadful accident statitistics down. Certainly the government can legislate but inevitably those that can afford to pay will pay, those that won't, won't. Parents, though, can make the differnce.

[DevilsAdvocate]

I agree the show off factor is a problem. Whenever I see 3 or 4 teenagers in a car, especially if its an old one, I always try to stay well clear of them.

[sukey]

What worries me most is my teenager accepting a lift from one of his mates that has been drinking. Its going to be very hard to stand apart and not follow the crowd, particularly if they are all piling into the car. You want them to be strong and stand against that which is clearly wrong but hey, whats their judgement like if they too have had some alcohol? How do you try to prepare them so that they will be rehearsed and versed in saying no?

[Offshore]

And talking of driving and drink, did you see that the Government's chief medical officer is advising that for drivers between 17 and 21, there should be zero tolerance? It's your choice - do you want to drink, or do you want to drive? Sounds sensible to me.

[SurfDude]

I came across two teenage drivers last night - racing along a dual carriageway. It was pretty scary, as I was sure one of them was going to collide with me.