over 5,000 a year

[justa bill]

NPR had a story about this yesterday. I thought I heard this wrong so I checked... but I didn't: over a dozen teens die every day in car wrecks in America.

That is mind boggeling... Over 5,000 a year. And the numbers are bad for people in their early 20's also...

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4520099

http://www.deerbrook.com/auto_safety/teenage_drivers.asp

http://www.smartmotorist.com/tee/tee.htm

:|

[Orville Wrong]

Maybe they'll finally be able to produce some NEW driver education horror films. I took the course in the early 80s, and the flicks had Model Ts and shit.

The actuarial tables that make these little freaks pay massive sums for insurance are computed with blood and broken glass.

[postfeminist]

Maybe they'll finally be able to produce some NEW driver education horror films. I took the course in the early 80s, and the flicks had Model Ts and shit.

orville, i took drivers ed in 93, and they had model T's still :)

[justa bill]

I liked the idea of putting video cameras in teens cars. Anything. Anything to help them drive better. The life it saves might not be theirs... it may be yours.. :|

just a thought... this thread is meant to be in no way a commentary on the number of soldiers killed in Iraq... :[

[Slugworth]

Yeah...I've been hearing more about this lately on talk radio. People are actually wanting to raise the driving age to 18, since 16 year olds have so little experience. ??? Shit, they could raise the age to 30, but then the 30 year olds will be inexperienced! You only get the experience one way, and that is to just get out there and do it!

I think the problem is that parents don't log enough actual drive time with their youngsters these days. They accept that their kids must know something, thanks to their driver's ed classes. But no class can substitute for real drive time.

My dad took me everywhere he went when I had my permit. Hell...we went on the dreaded "cross country car vacation" when I had my permit, and against my mother's wishes, my dad made me drive a lot of the trip (from Indy to Dallas). It helped a ton with my confidence.

[Duemellon]

The test ain't shit.

Who needs to dogde orange cones on the freeway that are set parallel but are tangentalized by an angle?

One turn around the block & back?

C'mon man. That ain't real drivin, that's granny drivin!

[wileE]

My parents drove with me a lot when I had my permit (and we did lots of driving vacations as well). Growing up, I spent a lot of time driving the tractor around which I think helped.

But with 30-40k people dying in car accidents every year, teens aren't the only ones having problems.

[PeterABnny]

To a large extent, Slugworth, you're right. I'm teaching my wife to drive, and she's 27. I worry about her inexperience leading to accidents after she gets her license. Idiots who have no business having a license are bad enough; throw in inexperience and I have a real cause for concern.

Just remember, boys and girls, elderly drivers are a close second when it comes to injury and accidents. If legislators want to do something about teen drivers to make the roads safer, fine. Just make sure you do something about the other side of the equasion, too, and make it tougher for old drivers.

[postfeminist]

wow, bunnyman, you're teaching your wife to drive?? i'm glad i learned to drive long before i was married. i found learning to drive very stressful and it was easier to be pist at my dad than it is to be pist at seafoamgreen :)

my mom used to let me drive to school everyday when i had my learner's permit. we lived in forest park and i went to roger bacon, and my mom works at UC, so she'd let me drive to RB, and then she'd go on to work and i was saved from the bus. but it was good practice, because winton road at 7 am was always pretty busy but not overwhelming.

i can still remember that first time i drove on the highway by myself. i was terrified by 275...

[classicgrrl]

i can still remember that first time i drove on the highway by myself. i was terrified by 275...

I'm still terrified by 275....

[postfeminist]

true that...

but it's not as bad as the drivers on 90 up here in cleve-oh. ask seafoamgreen, he'll tell you about the idiot who passed him in the median one day...

[BigSugar]

in 2004 and first of '05, almost 1100 people have died on KY roads (thanx Artemis!!). not sure how many of those were teens (or teen driver related), but some i'm sure.

either way, i blame bush and think we should ban all cars. :D

[PeterABnny]

wow, bunnyman, you're teaching your wife to drive?? i'm glad i learned to drive long before i was married. i found learning to drive very stressful and it was easier to be pist at my dad than it is to be pist at seafoamgreen :)



My wife's dad is the only one in her family who drives. Remember, this is Canada we're talking about; everyone up there takes public transit, which is far, far superior than anything we have here. When Michelle was living at home, she either walked everywhere or took the train/bus/subway, and it got her anywhere she needed to go. After we got married and she moved down here, she quickly learned why Americans drove everywhere and have all these cars.

As it turns out, only minors need to take driver's ed. Ohio law requires no formal training for adults learning to drive (which may also explain why people around here drive like idiots all the time). So the job falls to me. Oy! In addition to teaching her the rules of the road and to pay attention to what the car's doing (in the way of checking gauges, not ignoring warning lights, etc.), I gotta teach her such things like adverse weather driving and - perhaps most importantly - about road rage and how to keep herself from being the subject of it.

Now, the daycare where Michelle's working will have an opening in the area where she wants to teach, and if she gets it it'll give her the chance to move from part-time to full-time work. But, however, that's contingent largely on whether or not she can get her license by May. My little wifie's all excited about the prospect of getting her license by then, but to be honest I don't think she'll have all the skills necessary for her to be fully outfitted, so to speak. I'm a little concerned that in her eagerness she'll be wanting to take more chunks of driving (and hence be at greater risk of something bad happening) than she's able to handle. The road in general - and the highway in particular - is no place for the weak at heart! Shall we call it auto Darwinism? I keep saying I won't let her go in for her license test until she's fully ready, but somewhere in the back of mind I'm a little concerned she'll be begging to go in before that. Guess we'll see...

[slow-dog]

When I got my license, my parents made me drive 100 hours with no passengers before I could drive friends around. I had a little log book and everything. 100 hours was a bit much, but I think it's totally a great idea for the new driver.

[BigSugar]

When I got my license, my parents made me drive 100 hours with no passengers before I could drive friends around. I had a little log book and everything. 100 hours was a bit much, but I think it's totally a great idea for the new driver.

WOW!! you mean parents can actually do that these days??!?? talk about a novel idea....parental responsibility! maybe they can tell the kids not to drag race and also not to jump train tracks at 100 mph! ;)

or maybe the govt. should just hire SD's parents as the new "National Parents".....they can set curfews, talk to kids about sex, ground them for bad grades. hell, they can ground whole states for poor test results! LOL!

[Sovrana]

"National Parents".....they can talk to kids about sex....


er...that won't happen. ;)

the driving log is a great idea...our daughter will probably hate you if we decide to do this to...oh in about 9 yrs.

[Handy Smurf]

i'm trying to think of ways other than raising the minimum driving age to cut down on stupid reckless teens driving that doesnt infringe on our freedoms
even though freedom isnt free

electronic speed limiters in cars that limit you to driving 55-cant be taken out until your 19
burn every copy of the fast and the furious, every copy of the sequel, forbid another from ever being made, and shanghai vin diesel
If you get a ticket for going more than 10 over the speed limit or cause an accident and you drive a "tricked out" honda, toyota, etc.-you are forcibly castrated on the spot.
If you put racing stripes or a giant fin on your car or you fuck with the exhaust to make it Xtra loud, Louis Gosset Jr. kills your first born child

[PeterABnny]

i'm trying to think of ways other than raising the minimum driving age to cut down on stupid reckless teens driving that doesnt infringe on our freedoms
even though freedom isnt free



I read somewhere that one reason teens are so reckless has to do with their still-developing brains. That part of the brain that controls risk-assessment is still developing in teenagers, so they're more daring and prone to risk-taking as a result. Like anything else, some kids develop faster than others, but overall I think raising the age limit should be just one variable in the larger equasion. Freedom doesn't - shouldn't - mean being able to do whatever the hell you want to do, no questions asked.

[BigSugar]

Louis Gosset Jr. kills your first born child

the LGJr from that awful alien movie where he gives birth, or the awesome "Col. Chappy" from the Iron Eagle movies!?? it would seriously make a difference to alot of people......

[slow-dog]

WOW!! you mean parents can actually do that these days??!?? talk about a novel idea....parental responsibility! maybe they can tell the kids not to drag race and also not to jump train tracks at 100 mph! ;)

or maybe the govt. should just hire SD's parents as the new "National Parents".....they can set curfews, talk to kids about sex, ground them for bad grades. hell, they can ground whole states for poor test results! LOL!

This position will, of course, be hereditary. No need for pesky elections. Who would you rather tell your children what to do than me? Here's just one example, when I set the mandatory national bedtime for everyone under 18 to 9:00 PM, they'll be able to show porn on broadcast tv afterwards!

[Handy Smurf]

I read somewhere that one reason teens are so reckless has to do with their still-developing brains. That part of the brain that controls risk-assessment is still developing in teenagers, so they're more daring and prone to risk-taking as a result. Like anything else, some kids develop faster than others, but overall I think raising the age limit should be just one variable in the larger equasion. Freedom doesn't - shouldn't - mean being able to do whatever the hell you want to do, no questions asked.
I wasn't really being serious, but I meant infringing along the lines of burning/preventing more vin diesel movies from being made-I would love for this to happen, but I am philosophically more opposed to censorship than I am philosophically opposed to vin diesel


Im thinking more along the lines of Louis Gosset Jr. from the Principal, or possibly even Diggstown

[LadyJo]

I am philosophically more opposed to censorship than I am philosophically opposed to vin diesel


Im thinking more along the lines of Louis Gosset Jr. from the Principal, or possibly even Diggstown

Now Vin Diesel is doing comedy. Oy vey! Maybe teens who drive recklessly should be forced to watch his latest flick.
Better yet - Louis Gosset Jr. should kill Vin Diesel.

[classicgrrl]

you drive a "tricked out" honda, toyota, etc.-you are forcibly castrated on the spot.

this is something I could support.

I do not understand "fart" cans. can't you just whack off your exhaust system and get the noise that way? My middle muffler has rusted out and I've gotten my noise natural style.

[sleepingbeauty]

The daughter of friends of the family was killed in a car accident a few years ago. She was only 16. She wasn't wearing a seatbelt and her friend was going too fast.

I was house-sitting for them the day that she died. I had to help her extended family get ahold of her parents who were out of town. :( Not one of my better days.

[sleazosaurus]

hmm...did that article have anything about drinking and driving or just driving in general? 3 boys at my school died in unrelated car accidents last year. as far as i remember, 2 had been drinking... and also, i agree that a lot of people dont have experience and thats what causes problems. when i had my temps, whenever i would go driving with my mom and it was raining or snowing, she would say it was too dangerous, and she would drive. then over the summer i was driving to hamilton with one of my friends,, and it was raining, and we hydroplaned, and i freaked out and started crying because i had no idea that happened. i admit i shouldnt be allowed to drive...

[markalot]

A cousin of mine's daughter was allowed to drive at night, in the rain, on a narrow two lane road in Penn. She lost control and hit a house, killing a friend and injuring her brother. I think parents need to set driving limits until the kids are 18 AND have their own car. A car is a means of employment, not a means to have fun.

[Duemellon]

Hydroplanin, night driving, snow/ice drivin, should nevr b avoidd. The parents/instructors should take their kids out to some secluded area & make them run the gauntlet in a more controlld environment.

My mother took me into a parkin lot aftr a big snowstorm & made me do donuts, hooks, & spinouts,...

not just 'cuz it was fun, but b/c I now undrstand what it feels like & don't freak out.

[wombat18]

Taking a real defensive driving course is well worth the time and money ... they're typically held over a week, with practice skids, etc. Very cool. And reversing with a trailer through a figure-of-eight is pure poetry !

But, why don't have safer cars? Or smarter roads? Or better public transit?

It's not cars that kill people, its the people who drive them, eh? ;)

[purple_octopus]

Taking a real defensive driving course is well worth the time and money ... they're typically held over a week, with practice skids, etc. Very cool. And reversing with a trailer through a figure-of-eight is pure poetry !...

It's not cars that kill people, its the people who drive them, eh? ;)
I agree 100%. Mandatory IQ tests prior to the issuance of a license would also be helpful.

[DaHood]

Hydroplanin, night driving, snow/ice drivin, should nevr b avoidd. The parents/instructors should take their kids out to some secluded area & make them run the gauntlet in a more controlld environment.

My mother took me into a parkin lot aftr a big snowstorm & made me do donuts, hooks, & spinouts,...

not just 'cuz it was fun, but b/c I now undrstand what it feels like & don't freak out.
Your mother was smart to do that. I had this discussion with my nephew last week. You can not learn how to regain control of an out of control car unless you try it. And the most important thing to do when you start to lose control of a car is to not freak out. The sudden moves you'd likely make by freaking out only make you lose even more control.

[yoshomon]

A lot of cities could move towards becoming car-free (or practically car free), and public transit could be vastly improved everywhere. Urban sprawl feeds car culture and the building of all these goddamn highways, so it's impossible to look at cars without looking at a million other issues.

I've never gotten a ticket.

The worst driving I've ever experienced was in New Jersey. The roads suck, the drivers suck, and that whole state is a giant piece of shit. FUCK JERSEY.

[Orville Wrong]

The worst driving I've ever experienced was in New Jersey. The roads suck, the drivers suck, and that whole state is a giant piece of shit. FUCK JERSEY.
Blues states -- what can you do?

I tend to agree with regard to Hudson County roads. Route 22 through Newark-Mountainside is the scariest roadway ever. But give me the Garden State Parkway, a 325i or A6, a full pack of smokes and an EZ-Pass and I'm in heaven.

[Homsar]

Maybe if people weren't such big IDIOTS, there wouldn't be as many "accidents."

BRING ON THE MAGLEV!

I'd gladly give up those expensive cars for that stuff.

[justa bill]

A lot of cities could move towards becoming car-free (or practically car free), and public transit could be vastly improved everywhere. Urban sprawl feeds car culture and the building of all these goddamn highways, so it's impossible to look at cars without looking at a million other issues.

The great thing is a car-free solution already exists: cities! My car is 15 years old, I drive it 10 miles a week (tops), everything else... I walk.

when I have to drive I become another person... a big fucking grouch. "you wouldn't like me if you made me [drive]."

But as far as New Jersey goes... why get off the highway? :] Jus' go straight through! Last time I drove to NYC (2002), it took like 8 hours to get from Cinci to the Hudson tunnel... and then 2 more hours to get to Brooklyn... :p

[seafoamgreen]

I loved not having to drive. I used to walk 45 minutes to work and about 55 minutes to get back.(it was a strenuous job)
it's the biggest reason i miss living in a city.

now, i live in the country and have to drive anywhere. Half the time, i feel like i'm going to have a heart attack by the time i get where i'm going.

[Handy Smurf]

Hydroplanin, night driving, snow/ice drivin, should nevr b avoidd. The parents/instructors should take their kids out to some secluded area & make them run the gauntlet in a more controlld environment.

My mother took me into a parkin lot aftr a big snowstorm & made me do donuts, hooks, & spinouts,...

not just 'cuz it was fun, but b/c I now undrstand what it feels like & don't freak out.
That was smart indeed. A few years ago when I was working part time at this restaurant there was significant snowfall while we were working. A girl I worked with had moved from Texas in the past year and had never experienced snow much before, let alone driven in it. To make matters worse, she was a very timid, quiet type, sort of slow-she was an incredibly sweet girl, but didnt pick things up to well. I had to describe how to drive in snow to her. She and 2 other employees and I were closing. Unfortunately, I was going 15 minutes in one direction and she was going 20 in the complete opposite. Thankfully she got home ok, but I know she was scared to death.

[turdferguson]

I agree 100%. Mandatory IQ tests prior to the issuance of a license would also be helpful.

Can we extend this to having children?

Cell phones and sport utes are bad enough in the hands of adults and a terrifying prospect with an inexperienced driver behind the wheel. Maybe it wouldn't be a bad idea to make cars that don't weigh three tons and can crush six compact cars before gently rolling to a stop.

[PeterABnny]

Can we extend this to having children?

Cell phones and sport utes are bad enough in the hands of adults and a terrifying prospect with an inexperienced driver behind the wheel. Maybe it wouldn't be a bad idea to make cars that don't weigh three tons and can crush six compact cars before gently rolling to a stop.


Agreed, but that would infringe upon people's right to own a gas-guzzling SUV and then drive like they own the road.

On the one hand it sucks to see higher gas prices, but on the other I'm enjoying watching these idiots paying out the nose to fuel their little testosterone boosters. :D