arron magill has hit the nail on the head here
i agree 10000000000%
and yea it would suck to not have beer before turning 21 just because you have to drive at night
from arrons news letter
Thank you to everyone who has had an opinion re the "P" plate issue.
My comment for what it is worth, and read this when you have the time.
Driver education IS NOT the magic pill that many of us believe it is re our young driver road toll! A bold statement.
In 10 years of doing driver education on racetracks and skid pans, I am yet to be convinced that the old style of driver education, I.e. hit the brakes, throw the car sideways and a quick chat on road law has any effect on the young in age or in brain! I cannot count the courses when we have seen young drivers and those that should know better doing a Phase 1 course, displaying interest in everything but safety, I.e. spinning wheels, using handbrakes and asking the eternal question....when can we get on the track mate, this craps so boring!
I believe that some young drivers suffer from;
Total arrogance to the law.
Total disregard for the safety of the wider community.
Extreme lack of vehicle control in most conditions other than straight and slow.
Inflated opinion of their ability...(some never grow out of this)
A never ending rev limit in the chase for "the next thrill".
I believe these are some of the above issues result from;
Peer Pressure
Over exposure to motor sport via television...We make it look easy. (I know can you believe it!)
Unrealistic views of driving created by Playstation etc.
Dad does it!
Poor training in early stages of driver development.
It is very easy for us to "blanket" young drivers with the risky label. All young drivers do this or that, and every P plate driver speeds! Is it true? I suggest not.
We must remember that young men like to play football, they seek danger as part of their development to manhood. The military understand this, hence when you see an F18 pilot he is probably only 21yo. Yet the military can HARNESS the impetuousness of youth via discipline and education, and they only choose the bright ones. Which brings us to the point, should every person have the right to drive?
Do we need to IQ test drivers just as some companies where I work in crash avoidance test prospective employees PRIOR to going on the road in a company car? Needless to say the employees are above average in intelligence. Do they still crash... you better believe it. However, in my experience to date, intelligence combined with correct education dramatically reduces the crash rate per kilometre driven and the severity of the incident.
So my summary to reduce youth crash rates involving death and major trauma;
Introduction of night curfew...It's good enough for the aircraft industry re new pilots!
Vehicle power to weight ratio limitations....My son drives a 76 model original XC Falcon 4.9 litre V8. Put it alongside a standard 85 model Nissan skyline and see which is fastest! All V8's are not fast.
Limitations on passengers regarding numbers and ages. (see peer pressure)
A further "P" plate assessment prior to issue of"green" P plate.
A quality delivered risk management driver education course in basic car control and consequences.
Enforcing the above will always be the issue. Our school struggles to get young drivers on P's to do a Phase 1 course... they just want to know how to have fun by throwing the around so they can arrive at the pole faster once they've run out of talent and luck.
Cheers
Aaron
Auto-Motion Australia
Ph/Fax: 02 48 722-622
Mob: 0410 317 013
www.auto-motion.com.au
www.aaronmcgillmotorsport.com
Driving Excellence