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Are Teen Drivers Rushing to the Road?



Teenage drivers have always been an issue of concern for everyone on the roads, including other teen drivers. They are inexperienced and sometimes unfocused.
While the blame is typically laid on trying to show off for friends or talking on cell phones, a new line of concern is being raised. According to The New York TimesOctober 12 article, studies are showing that teenage drivers need more practice with their parents before they get their licenses.
Speaking from experience, I know this is true. My parents used to be too scared to drive with me, so I must have gotten my license before I should have. Knock on wood, I’m a great driver now and haven’t gotten into any accidents.
The problem with the learner’s permit is that we practice on beautiful days for about an hour. When it’s a torrential downpour or heavy traffic, we don’t dare take the wheel from our parents. So how are we supposed to know what to do when we are all-of-a-sudden stuck in those conditions? We panic and then our lack of experience starts to show on the roads, something that is not comforting for other drivers.
I believe new drivers should start incorporating these kinds of conditions into their hours. Teens need guidance and lessons in varied conditions in order to be ready for the road. This article also states that teenagers have the highest crash rate of anybody on the road, and most of these occur in the early stages of getting their license.
This article suggests that the best way to improve teenage driving is for parents to spend a more time instructing their kids. I 100 percent agree with that. Time to slow down!

What do you think? Sound off in the comments section.

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by Lindsay Scarff | 2/1/2016
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