Just like not all old people are degenerated enough to be dangerous behind the wheel, yet something needs to be done for those who are. They're not guilty of stereo-typing by implementing these laws, nor should they single out. I have been in cars with younger drivers, and I tell you, I don't think I've ever been so in fear for my life. But, there are those select few young drivers that I actually feel comfortable being a passenger with, because they are attentive and not looking around everywhere else trying to see if people "notice that they are finally driving!!" Once again, it comes down to who'* been accurately and sufficiently taught responsibility. I have been driving now since I was 14 (at that time, permits were given out at that age, and you could drive alone to work and school only, not sure if it'* still that way) and have never been in an accident. So not all young people are dangerous.

I think that is the main problem, that a lot of people don't take driving seriously enough, and that is what causes the problem. It scares me to drive with some of my friends because of how little attention they pay to the road. Some of them are so interested in their music that they can barely keep the car going in a straight line. I mean, come on, I like music too, but I also like to stay alive and not get in accidents, so I keep the stereo down and pay attention to the road. I am not going to by any means admit that I am the best driver out there, because I am not. I am inexperienced among many other things, but I also feel that I can drive a hell of a lot better than 50% of the people on the road, and about 80% of the people that go to my school.

i think the laws ought to definatly stiffen up testing, for proof this is needed, i'll give you a list of the wrecks he was in that i remember


late 2k, backing out of parking space, turns waaay too early, taking the bumper of his car mid door to tire on a 2001 taurus, no insurance report, girl wasn't supposed to be driving car.

west on I-30, exit 220, hydroplaned on exit ramp as it was raining cats and dogs and he admits he was doing 70, took out one of those 10 foot tall interstate signs

passing me in the 87, 35 speed limit, he got up to about 80 on a blind corner, if only he knew the road as well as i did, he would have slowed down before he hit the four poles that are meant to keep you out of the ditch, knocking them all over, i had to pull him out

that'* all i can remember, but i do remeber giving him hell about having 8 wrecks in as many months... either way i was sure this guy was going to fail the tests or be barred from driving for some reason, but he made it though testing...

Here, no too long ago, there were two kids (well, take that with a grain of salt, they were 15 and 16, 16 at the wheel) were in a mid 80'* Monte Carlo and decided to take a turn rated at 35 mph at about 85. They rolled the car several times, ejecting both of them. Both died. Immaturity? Yes. Lack of experience? Sure. But let'* not forget the main culprit here:

Succumbing to peer pressure. A strong sense of responsibility will prevent, or help to prevent one from doing something like that. And it can be instilled. But by whom?

Parents. Once again, it falls onto their shoulders.

(steps off soapbox, motions for next...)

I don't know if its been mentioned in this thread, but here in Ontario we have a system called Graduated Licencing. Basically it works like this

Age 16: Permitted to take written test and issued a G1 licence. The G1 allows any new driver to:
1. Operate a 2 axle autmobile under 5000 pounds
2. Drives said vechicle only with experienced licenced driver of at least 4 years
3. Not permitted on freeways or expressways
4. Not permitted to drive between 12am and 4am
5. Zero tolerance regarding blood alcohol
6. Passengers limited to number of seatbelts and driver IS NOT responsible for unbuckled passengers. The experienced driver in the PASSENGER front seat is

This applies for 1 year, it is reduced to 8 months if a drivers education course of 25 hrs in class and 10 hrs on the road is passed.

Then you take your first road test. The G1 exit test. Following that you are issued a G2 which allows:

1. 2 axle, 5000 lbs vehicle
2. Permitted to drive alone and at any time on any road surface including freeways etc
3. Passengers equalling seat belts and DRIVER is now responsible for belted passengers.
4. Zero blood alcohol

Following this one year G2 step, new drivers are to take a more difficult G2 exit test and issued a full G licence. The difference from G2 to Full G is you are permitted the legal BA limit of 0.08

So far, the system is working, and new drivers are FAR more responsible, the traffic deaths involving youth and young drivers is down substantially.

I agree, parents need to be held liable for their children. It seems that they can just write their childrens behavior off on TV, video games, music, internet. etc. But who regulates that? The parents. Not all parents are like this, but I'm sick of hearing about the afore mentioned things being the reason why kids are so troublesome, when the parent doesnt want to take that responsibility themselves.