3 Minute Oral Report

April 16, 2001

    This weeks reading was interesting and informative.  What I found most interesting was chapter 9 pp. 190-193.  The section is Teenagers at Risk.  If states that teenagers are killed in car crashes more than any other cause.  Usually due to inexperience, mistakes, and risky behavior.  Peoples solutions to this problem is a graduated license approach.  Teenagers would be required  to go through drivers ed courses and restrictions to driving as well as a zero tolerance rule.  It is assumed that this will give them time to be an experienced driver under controlled conditions until they are of age.

    I believe this would help many beginning teenage drivers.  A lot of them are taught by their parents and after they get their license it is assumed they know how to drive.  With driving comes a huge responsibility for their own safety and the safety of others.  Teenagers are young and tend to think they are invincible and they take chances.  I think with a longer period of driving under strict conditions allows teenagers to become better drivers, so when they are of age they would be better equipped to deal with situations.

    I took lessons from a private instructor in order to get my license.  That is one of the things I am happy I did.  I could have just learned from my dad, but I knew my dad was not the best driver and learning from him would be only stressful.  I learned the right way to drive and I may not follow it from A to Z, but at least I learned the right way and not from somebody who just knows how to drive.  Nothing bad can come from taking driving courses, but a lot of good can come from them.  

    Reading this made me think about the three teenagers that died in the car accident in Wailua.  It was late at night and they were drinking as well as speeding.  I think parents believe they know what their children are up to, but really they do not.  I think parents like to believe only the best about their children and never like to see their children's faults.  Even if teenagers can be responsible they can still make mistakes and have bad judgments.  I really believe a graduating license approach would help teenagers become better drivers and hopefully when they are of age better judgment.

Reference:  Dr. James, Leon, & Dr. Nahl, Diane.  Road Rage and Aggressive Driving:  Steering Clear of Highway Warfare.  pp.  190-215, 2000 Prometheus Books NY.