Every so often I see something in writing from a parent, such as a letter to a newspaper editor, that makes me want to get in the car, go to the writer’s house, sit him or her down, and explain teen driving. I saw such a letter recently. I will spare the writer identification, but here is what she wrote:
“If our country were as small as most European countries, making kids wait until they’re 18 to get their licenses might be more reasonable. Europe has better mass transit. But to expect parents to drive their little darlings to and from school, to and from work, and to and from all social activities is not reasonable.”
Do you agree? Does the attitude sound similar to your thought process? I hope not. The writer does not appear to be aware of the reality that “there is no such thing as a safe teen driver,” and the reasons why. There is no recognition that if the minimum driving age were based on the science of brain development rather than tradition and political pushback from parents, the starting age would be in the range of 22 to 25, not 16 to 18. This writer is also putting convenience ahead of safety. Her words signal an impatience with teens not getting their licenses because of the imposition on parents’ schedules. Finally, these words imply a willingness to force a teen who may not be ready to drive to do so so because “It’s time to grow up.”
The attitudes expressed in and underlying this letter are what this blog and the safe teen driving community try to counteract. If you find yourself thinking this way, please think again.
