Teen Driving Privileges?

Question

How do the teens fel about this-http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060703/ap_on_re_us/teenage_drivers;_ylt=Avyq2ccYtyDTZmENEE9XyPCs0NUE;_ylu=X3oDMTA2Z2szazkxBHNlYwN0bQ--

Answer 1

Non-teen opinion, here:

It doesn't go far enough. The age restrictions are too low. In TX there is also a restriction on cell phone use for novice drivers.

Teens, of course , would prefer no restrictions, but you see the stats concerning teens and fatalities.

Answer 2

I understand that these rules would be wise for the general public, but as the parent of two highly responsible teens, I would be completely offended to be told that I have no say in deciding what my boys are responsible enough to do. My father taught me to drive race cars when I was a teen, and I've taught these skills and principals to my kids, which means they're better equipped to prevent or minimize accidents, than most teens. They have a better understanding of what causes accidents, and what stupid things not to do.

Most teens, I guess, don't have that sort of education, and become less responsible and safe when the parents aren't watching... so maybe it's overall a good idea. It might work better to make it a parent's choice, whether the teen has those restrictions or not, and if the parent chooses the restrictions, there's an insurance discount. Most parents would choose the legal restrictions for the insurance savings, and people like me would be willing to shell out more to give more freedom to a well-trained, mature and responsible teen driver. It really all comes down to personal choice anyway. My in-laws let their kids drive alone starting at age 14 (legal is 16 here), unlicensed and uninsured until the kids hit 18 and can get the license without parent permission. The laws don't stop them from doing what they want; laws just make it so that if they get caught, there's all kinds of trouble for doing it.

Answer 3

Education is always better than prohibition. Last year, another study dealing with youthful drivers was hailed by the insurance industry (profit-motivated?) as justification for delaying the age at which young people should be allowed to apply for a driver’s license. The Florida study claimed that by restricting the times and conditions under which 16-year-olds could drive, the state could reduce the number of accidents involving 16-year-old drivers. All this proved was that by restricting the number of a certain group allowed to drive, the accidents for that group will naturally go down, whether they are 16 or 60.

The fact that under the new Florida regimen accident rates for 17 and 18-year-old drivers increased garnered little attention, and almost completely ignored was the fact that 15-year-old drivers (allowed under Florida law) had lower accident rates than either of the older teenage groups. Could it be that the 15-year-old drivers were more receptive to learning good driving skills? Might it be that they were better trained and more responsible?

There is ample evidence from athletics to academics and work skills to social skills, that early learning, training and experience are superior to arbitrary avoidance, restriction and prohibition. Traffic safety schools and defensive driving courses like safemotorist.com or firsttimedriver.com are the best ways to teach young adults the rules and responsibilities of driving. We know Americans spend most of their lives as drivers, so it just make sense that we prepare our young properly for life on the roads.

Answer 4

Driving is a PRIVILEGE. Teens need restrictions to insure the safety of the of teens and other drivers. Parents need to be involved and guide their child through the process.

Answer 5

I can see why this makes sense. If you had asked me 3 years ago, I would have opposed this. Now that I feel like I'm more mature, I know that I've done some dangerous things while driving at a younger age.

Answer 6

Actually, my son appreciated the fact that he could not have any back seat passengers for 3 months, nor any front seat passengers under 21 after he got his license. He said it helped him stay focused on continuing to learn and apply what he had learned instead of running around with a carload of kids with the music jamming. It also gave me a little peace of mind.

Answer 7

I pretty much feel that driving priveliges should be eased into, not have a permit for x amount of months and then boom full blown driving rights. A car is not a toy and thousands die every year because of inexperience.