In the state of Illinois, just today on the news, the following was announced:
There is legislation pending to have a teen with a permit drive for 9 months, as opposed to 3 months before applying for a license. The reason for the change, is to give the teen an opportunity to drive in all weather conditions.
There are other requirements as well, as NO cell phone usage, while driving, to name one.
I personally think this is a good change, too many young kids losing their lives to auto accidents.
All those sound like excellent rules, Channahon. My driver's ed instructor hammered into our heads:
don't slam on your breaks in the snow! I told my Dad about that the same night, which happened to be one snowy, cold night and his eyes lit up. He grabbed his car keys and said, "Let's go!" I followed and he tossed the keys to me. We went to this parking lot and he told me to get the car up to about 20 and then
slam on the brakes. I did. I freaked, fighting the wheel to keep it under control. I brought the car to a stop and he said, "OK. You did just what I wanted you to but you
cannot panic! Do it again.
This time, apply the brakes easily and gently." I did and brought the tank Oldsmobile I was driving to a smooth stop. Fast forward two years or so. I was driving home--in the same car from above--from my UPS sort in snow and ice after 10 p.m when an
idiot driving a Chevy Suburban decided to go from the far
right lane to the
turn lane--
four lanes over!! I was doing about 25 since it was a downward slope and was still a little concerned. I saw the guy's left turn signal go on from about fifty feet away and applied some brakes. I felt the car skid and my heart skipped a beat as I steadied the car's path. I was about 10 feet away from the jack***'s bumper when I finally slid to a stop. I checked my mirrors, blindspot and turned slightly since the bozo had his rear-passenger fender sitting in my lane! I pointed the car's nose a good 10 feet from the guy's bumper and pulled away at about 10 mph,
laying on the horn as I did. I caught a surprised look on the passenger's face as I went by. They didn't even know I was there until then!
They changed the laws in Missouri as well due to 2 major accidents involving teen drivers.
I agree whole heartedly. As a teen, I would never have admitted to the possibility that I was too inexperienced to handle driving as an adult. However, just as my mother said I would, I now see as an adult that teens really do need more practice and training then was given when I was a teen.
I too, agree wholeheartedly. I had my first accident 2 weeks after getting my license--totalling my first car in the process. No injuries, just vehicle damage. I was in an unfamiliar area at night, which was part of my parent's explanation for the wreck. IMHO, I think Illinois is on the right track. At the same time, I think it should be 17 or 18 before getting a license. When/if I have kids, I'm not going to put them under my insurance without a driver's ed course. In many states, you can get your license at 18--
without a driver's ed course! If I live in state with all four seasons, my kids are d*mn sure going to drive in all types of weather, even if its not required by law! I'll put them behind the wheel in a downpour and see how they handle it. Snow? They'll drive when its
actually snowing
and in the aftermath on slick or short-sight streets!! During the above, I'll keep an eye on them. If they panic, that's it. We do it all over again. I'm not putting new driver's on the road that will do so in a situation that requires calm. After my first accident, I was talking to my Dad and he said, "I wanted to tell you something. You haven't lost your composure, cried or panicked during this entire thing. For your first such situation, you've handled it very well. Its kept me relatively calm and since your mother is standing right here, its kept her calm, too. I want to say thank-you for not stressing either of us out unduly." Sorry for the rant...-Rocky