The Real Problems with Teenage Drivers (article)

**clovenhooves** · 04-19-2011, 12:03 PM

http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/0...road-to-safety

**justinmc978** · 04-19-2011, 04:50 PM

good post, while getting my license, my stepmom barked at me everytime I would change lanes, or do pretty much anything without looking 360 degrees to make sure it was safe to do so, now I do it without thought. I think all the curfew rules, and tougher tests are great. I live on a busy street in a college town, and as many accidents as I hear outside my apartment a week, we need it badly.

**clovenhooves** · 04-20-2011, 09:13 AM

Great profile pic above.

I think we need periodic re-testing for adults, too. The focus on teen drivers overshadows the fact that there are many bad drivers in other age groups.

**allbaugh_04** · 04-20-2011, 10:20 AM

I was driving at 15...still no accidents. I don't think anything needs to change. In fact, I think more states should allow teenagers more privileges while driving. Let the parents do their fucking job.

**justinmc978** · 04-20-2011, 10:45 AM

Originally Posted by allbaugh_04

I was driving at 15...still no accidents. I don't think anything needs to change. In fact, I think more states should allow teenagers more privileges while driving. Let the parents do their fucking job.

I have never been in an accident of my own fault either, (I was hit by a drunk in my first camaro) we are just the best of the best when it comes to safe driving.

on the other hand, my little brother is 15, he nor any of his friends are anywhere NEAR ready to be behind the wheel of a car, (er a truck actually, a lifted 80's big body blazer, which is even scarier) they are just oblivious to their surroundings and need extensive training, or at least more than they are going to get mandatorily.

edit: if I had to take a test everytime I get my license renewed, as long as everyone else had to take it (and PASS!) then I would not have a single problem with it

**allbaugh_04** · 04-20-2011, 10:51 AM

Sounds like bad parenting. If kids aren't prepared for something like managing money, who would you blame?

**justinmc978** · 04-20-2011, 10:55 AM

Originally Posted by allbaugh_04

Sounds like bad parenting. If kids aren't prepared for something like managing money, who would you blame?

we have a single mom who works constantly, and I live 4 hours away, some of the other kids are in the same situation, some arent and are just stupid. but yes, I dont think its good parenting either, regardless of reason, better education is needed.

**Spaz** · 04-20-2011, 11:24 AM

shit... teens??? what about elderly people... hell... half the population shouldn't be on the road...

**justinmc978** · 04-20-2011, 11:29 AM

Originally Posted by Spaz

shit... teens??? what about elderly people... hell... half the population shouldn't be on the road...

bah that's an easy fix, bifocal windshields

**Spaz** · 04-20-2011, 11:34 AM

Originally Posted by justinmc978

bah that's an easy fix, bifocal windshields

that and turning their speedometer back 5-10 mph so the old farts do the damned speed limit...

**flat-top** · 04-20-2011, 12:13 PM

Printed. I will read and recommend this to drivers/kids at next drivers ed class.

thank you!
Jeff

**allbaugh_04** · 04-20-2011, 12:15 PM

Some of the elderly drive like a bat out of hell around here, some are slow though...

**wheeliE-maxx** · 04-20-2011, 08:07 PM

Originally Posted by justinmc978

bah that's an easy fix, bifocal windshields

except for falling asleep and running through laundromats

**96Firebirdformula** · 04-21-2011, 12:10 AM

Some People can't drive period not just teens LOL!

**GoldenFlame** · 04-21-2011, 07:00 AM

Originally Posted by Spaz

that and turning their speedometer back 5-10 mph so the old farts do the damned speed limit...

This.. I can't stand being behind a damn Buick doing 35 in a 45

**Smittro** · 04-21-2011, 08:18 AM

Originally Posted by allbaugh_04

Some of the elderly drive like a bat out of hell around here, some are slow though...

My near 70+ grandma can rip it up with a 5spd

..

Her last car before she stopped driving was an old 5spd escort wagon..lol

Never seen granny miss a gear either..

She says growing up as a farm girl in Colorado every car or truck they had was a standard..

On topic, imho we should adopt Germany's new driver rules and equirements..

**Spaz** · 04-21-2011, 10:25 AM

i think everyone should have to get a physical exam, eyes, ears, the works and take their drivers test every 5 fucking years... don't pass one you don't drive...

driving is a privilege... not a right...

**allbaugh_04** · 04-21-2011, 10:41 AM

I think it's a right, not a privilege. You can't drive correctly? You get fined. You get into accidents, you pay more for insurance. It'll weed out the bad ones eventually...

If cops would do their jobs instead of just pulling over good people who happen to be going 5mph, then maybe people would learn to drive.

**Smittro** · 04-21-2011, 10:42 AM

**GTP231** · 04-21-2011, 10:53 AM

Originally Posted by allbaugh_04

I think it's a right, not a privilege. You can't drive correctly? You get fined. You get into accidents, you pay more for insurance. It'll weed out the bad ones eventually...

If cops would do their jobs instead of just pulling over good people who happen to be going 5mph, then maybe people would learn to drive.

I wish once I'd get stopped for 5 over