Are Young Drivers really that Bad?
Reviewing accident statistics or hearing stories in the media would lead you to believe that young drivers are the worst drivers on the road. As a driving instructor in Bedford, I think that this is a misconception. Today, there is far more training given to learner drivers on the perils of the road, than ever there was when I learnt to drive.
Technically, driving is far more demanding today than it has ever been. The roads are busier, bigger, faster (occasionally!) than they were 30 years ago. Technology has brought about vast changes in car design. It can sometime be more like operating a computer rather than driving a car.
Driving tests have changed over the years to try to keep pace with the times. The introduction of the theory and hazard perception test has done away with the time when the examiner would show the test candidate a couple of road signs on a picture card. Now also, they need to know how to check the oil, tyres, and brakes. Pretty basic stuff you say, but how many drivers of a “certain age†don’t even know how to put water in their screen wash bottles, or how to change a light bulb?
The latest catch word is all about eco-driving and carbon footprints. Should I go on?
Sorry, but in MY opinion, (and that’s all you’re getting here), many people are prejudiced against the younger driver. OK, you’ll see the occasional stereotypical “boy racer†with his 1000watt sub-woofer practically blasting all in his path. But for every one of them, you’ll see a dozen company reps, (on the phone) white van men (reading the paper!), pizza delivery drivers, (on the pavement), general builders in beaten up tip up trucks (usually with a mug of tea on the go.. oh, and their tail lights won’t work either!), middle-aged mid lane hoggers (don’t know what their indicators are for) and geriatric, bewildered and bemused “Sunday driversâ€. (Who haven’t got a clue)! Have I missed anyone out?
And all of the above are yet another bunch of hazards that the newly qualified driver has to contend with.
Am I grouchy or what? You better believe it! What do you think? Come and have a go if you think you’re hard enough!
These are personal views and do not necessarily reflect the views of BADDIA as a whole.
Paul Burchell.
Next Week… â€Keep Horses OFF the Roadsâ€.
Paul its worth noting that the most unreliable element of the equasion is the driver, there has been no dramatic changes in the NUT behind the wheel so even in Bedford these novice drivers will fall foul of the same problems and hazards as we did all those years ago.
The statistics can be expressed in such a way as to evoke a particular trend but these stats about novice drivers are very reliable and can not be ignored.However how many Bedford instructors take their pupils out on a lesson at 1.00am with the tunes blaringand four passengers around unlit 60mph country roads and teach them how to change a CD while impressing the girlfriend. I will guess at none – we instead teach them town, local dual carriageway, some country roads then hope they opt for pass plus.
I believe that a new driver has a very high skill level but its the lack of experiance that lets them down (not a new concept) this creates a task for all instructors to try to offer some of these real experiances. Cant see pupils paying for this extra training even if it saves lives.
STB
Comment by STB — August 27, 2007 @ 2:31 pm
good info.
Thanks
Comment by Jane — August 31, 2007 @ 1:49 pm