Brain tests reveal teenagers not ready for driving

[Skyryder]

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/1/story.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10448756


As an oldie I shall make no comment.


Skyryder

[The Pastor]

no shit shirlock.

[Hitcher]

If you think their driving's bad, you should see them putt.

[quallman1234]

Meh, its not the amount of time behind the wheel, its how its spent.

Quick question, would you guys say im PROBABLY a safer driver, considering ive gone solo and have ridden bikes longer than i have driven cars on the road.

[dogsnbikes]

you mean they found a brain to test.....the miricle of modern science

But as the ol'e debate goes why not restrict the engine sizes that young driver's have access too

[Skyryder]

I should send the link to Sue Bradford. Ha Ha and :scooter::scooter:

Skyryder

[Krusti]

You think teenagers are not ready to drive, try taking someone for their overseas conversion. :shit:

[Big Dog]

Meh, its not the amount of time behind the wheel, its how its spent.

Quick question, would you guys say im PROBABLY a safer driver, considering ive gone solo and have ridden bikes longer than i have driven cars on the road.

Agreed.
The facts:
18 years I have been allowed to drive.
Realistically that is 11 years of bike only 7 years of car only.
260,000* kms on a bike.
240,000* kms in a car.
Less than 1,000 kms in a Heavy Truck.
Less than 10 hours on a forklift.

* Vehicles registered in my name only.

Assumptions:
I can legally drive any of the above.
We are not talking specialist vehicles.
I am a average driver.

Realities:
Although I know what is involved with each and have the basic skills and knowledge to get in/on and drive anything I would not be the first choice for a truck driving company.
Each of the classes has taught me something different about road awareness.

Over all I consider myself a average driver on average (across my licenses), but do accept I am a better rider than car driver.

There are some people I could mention on this site who are almost half my age who have more talent than me. that does not make them better riders than me because most of these individuals lack drive toward self preservation resulting in a disproportionate variance in the decision making process.

Add in 100+hp firebreathers that weigh less than 200kg.

The odds are loaded and favour Darwin.

I don't think we should raise the driving age.
All that would result in is when they are old enough to drive responsibly they will not have the experience to do so.

[Indiana_Jones]

I think the age should go upto 17.

But the main issue is kids think it's their right to drive. It's not, it's a privilege.

-Indy

[scumdog]

Raise the driving age to 21.

That way with a bit of luck the fuckwit ones will have probably managed to kill themselves somehow - without taking an innocent motorist or two with them.

Then there's just the middle-aged cretins to worry about.......

[The Lone Rider]

I think a combination of raising the drinking age and the driving age could be a well spent improvement.

[Big Dog]

I think the age should go upto 17.

But the main issue is kids think it's their right to drive. It's not, it's a privilege.

-Indy

But that is because of how they were brought up not their age.

Illegalise political correctness for political correctness sake.
Authorise appropriate corporal punishment.
Make the little bastards save up to buy their own cars:

Then see how they treat them.

[scumdog]

But that is because of how they were brought up not their age.

Illegalise political correctness for political correctness sake.
Authorise appropriate corporal punishment.
Make the little bastards save up to buy their own cars:

Then see how they treat them.

That last one is so true - make them save 2/3 of the price for the deposit if buying on HP.
No unsecured loans, no 'ticking-up' mags/stereos/tints/body-kits either.

[Big Dog]

Raise the driving age to 21.

That way with a bit of luck the fuckwit ones will have probably managed to kill themselves somehow - without taking an innocent motorist or two with them.

Then there's just the middle-aged cretins to worry about.......

You are taking the piss surely?
If we keep legislating to the lowest common denominator there will be no joy left in life at all. Follow that trend and it will not be long before Knackstedt and Clarke conspire to take you guns your bikes and your v8's. They will of course let you keep the liquor and cigarettes because they need the taxes.

Not to mention 20,000 extra unlicensed drivers.

[Big Dog]

That last one is so true - make them save 2/3 of the price for the deposit if buying on HP.
No unsecured loans, no 'ticking-up' mags/stereos/tints/body-kits either.

I am on the other hand in favour of legislating against finance companies.
Raise the legal age to get finance to 21!!!!
I established by finance addiction at 18.
And it has bred since then. Never able to save for what I need because of the finance I already have so must haves end up on finance.

[scumdog]

You are taking the piss surely?
If we keep legislating to the lowest common denominator there will be no joy left in life at all. Follow that trend and it will not be long before Knackstedt and Clarke conspire to take you guns your bikes and your v8's. They will of course let you keep the liquor and cigarettes because they need the taxes.

Not to mention 20,000 extra unlicensed drivers.

Nah, I'm past middle age - I'll be right with all my toys....

[Big Dog]

Nah, I'm past middle age - I'll be right with all my toys....

What about when they start protecting the public from the possibility of senility?

[scumdog]

What about when they start protecting the public from the possibility of senility?

Hey, I'm not THAT old.:shit:

And by the time I AM I'll have enjoyed myself enough.

[Big Dog]

Hey, I'm not THAT old.:shit:

That is not the point. You implied if not outright said you were immune becuse you were past middle age. My point is if the bastards keep litigating the only things we will be allowed to do is sit in our cells reading heavily moderated webpages.

[scumdog]

That is not the point. You implied if not outright said you were immune becuse you were past middle age. My point is if the bastards keep litigating the only things we will be allowed to do is sit in our cells reading heavily moderated webpages.


C'mon BD, give somebody else a chance to bite.

(Although at this time of night it just seems to be old fools posting....)

[kro]

Coincidentally, I sat another license yesterday, and whilst at the licensing office on the way home, some black t-shirted 15 year old, with his hat on backwards, and his pants around his ankles, was walking out, cursing like a soldier to his Mum. The kid summed his kind up as he walked past me, his mum said "We have to go pick up Susan now", and he was in such a tizz, he said "fuck Susan Mum, I want my my fucking license.....now".

A. The little shite should not have spoken like that in front of his Mum.
B. He was throwing a 3 year old tantrum
C. He could not see past the moment at hand (typical teen attribute)
D. So long as he dressed like a threat to NZ motorists, he will be tested accordingly, by the obviously vigilant instructor.

In summary, the kid was a drop kick, and I see so many of them behaving like this, I too think the age is too low for driving.

[sAsLEX]

In summary, the kid was a drop kick, and I see so many of them behaving like this, I too think the age is too low for driving.

I see many drop kick 20, 25, 30 or older people who I would hardly trust to make my Burger correctly yet they have the right to drive?

Some people at 15 are more than capable of beginning the learning process that is driving. Must be a reason schooling is going on at this time?

[Krusti]

I don't think it's so much his age as how he has been raised. Will probably have the same attitude when he is 18.

Amazes me how many stounch young guys throw the toys out of cot when they fail. How dare you fail me!

It's more a problem with authority figures I think.

[sAsLEX]

It's more a problem with authority figures I think.

CMT and a good RSM will learn them out of that behaviour!

[DEATH_INC.]

It's more a problem with authority figures I think.

Yep, spot on.
Go with what saslex said CMT should make a comeback I rekon, teach the little bastards some respect and disciplin (and spelling)
Mortality is a problem too, the experts will tell ya we don't really understand it till we are quite old.

[sAsLEX]

Yep, spot on.
Go with what saslex said CMT should make a comeback I rekon, teach the little bastards some respect and disciplin (and spelling)
Mortality is a problem too, the experts will tell ya we don't really understand it till we are quite old.

On that, we had a 15 year old kid in our 7th form Calculus class as in ?Singapore? they still have CMT but if you are gainfully employed,in university or other non-drop kick pass times you can miss the draft. He wasn't just there for a tick in the box either he was at the top end of the top class at the school.

Bit of motivation for those that are afraid of the military.

[avgas]

Sad fact of the matter sunshine is that if you increase the driving age, you increase the riding age.
People usually ride after 2-5 years behind the wheel. They also usually pick up riding before the age of 25. The main reason being is they don't have a care in the world - no kids, no career etc
After 25 shit hits the fan and people cant afford (in more aspect that one) to take up riding a bike.
We have far too many issues on the road as it stands. Raising the driving age its like giving panadol to a cancer patient.
Also i thing the whole experience thing is bullshit. I got hit by someone who apparently had 14 years of driving experience. I only have 5 years of road driving experience and i haven't ever hit another car/bike/person.

[Dave Lobster]

Sad fact of the matter sunshine is that if you increase the driving age, you increase the riding age.


Why? Why not raise the driving age to 18 or 21, but lower the age for riding a moped to 14? I believe France allows 14 year olds to ride mopeds, and they have the best attitude towards bikers there that I have ever experienced. I've never ridden in a city there, but all the cars out on the normal roads pull across to let you past, whatever speed you're doing.
If children got their road awareness on a moped, when they're vulnerable, it'll make them much better drivers of cars when they're older. Especially if they continue to cultivate a two wheeled hobby.


People usually ride after 2-5 years behind the wheel. They also usually pick up riding before the age of 25. The main reason being is they don't have a care in the world - no kids, no career etc


I can't name anyone that this applies to. All my friends rode two wheels first.

[sAsLEX]

All my friends rode two wheels first.

Name one person who didn't.

I mean most start on push bikes learning handling, traction and for those that still have to/are allowed to ride to school start to learn some basic road craft.

[Dave Lobster]

Name one person who didn't.

I mean most start on push bikes learning handling, traction and for those that still have to/are allowed to ride to school start to learn some basic road craft.

Easy. Mrs Lobster. I've yet to meet anyone with less two wheeled coordiation.. Its laughable!!

[avgas]

I can't name anyone that this applies to. All my friends rode two wheels first.
So your telling me you don't have your full car license then? As i notice you are on a 250 so one would assume your still on L or R bike?
While i was riding when i was young OFF ROAD i was not a legal road rider until i was 17. Most of my friend drove their parents cars when they had their restricted/learners a good 6 months before they were allowed bikes.

[scumdog]

I don't think it's so much his age as how he has been raised. Will probably have the same attitude when he is 18.

Amazes me how many stounch young guys throw the toys out of cot when they fail. How dare you fail me!

It's more a problem with authority figures I think.

A lot of it is bravado to cover a basic lack of self-confidence, you would be surprised how 'un-staunch' they are when not near a suitable audience.

But some 'firm' but positive parenting would help a lot of them.

My theory: With dogs it's six months, children it's three years of their lives.

'Stand on their neck and show them whose boss' (figuratively speaking) and you won't have bugger all problems with either.
No need to be nasty about it but firm boundaries right from the start will set the standard.

[sAsLEX]

'Stand on their neck and show them whose boss' (figuratively speaking) and you won't have bugger all problems with either.
.

On there back, hand on the chest or throat and literally show your dominance and put the dog in their place, would probably work for kids too but you would end up in jail!

[Dave Lobster]

So your telling me you don't have your full car license then? As i notice you are on a 250 so one would assume you're still on L or R bike?
While i was riding when i was young OFF ROAD i was not a legal road rider until i was 17. Most of my friend drove their parents cars when they had their restricted/learners a good 6 months before they were allowed bikes.

I started riding at 16 on the road. I got my car licence and full bike licence at 17. I didn't get a car until I was 21. I had no use for one.
I ride a 250 through choice, not because I have to. Mrs Lobster says I'm allowed to have any bike I want.. but I choose not to. :mellow:

Oh.. and never assume..

[Ocean1]

Seems nobody has mentioned the effect ACC has on the availability of vehicles "unsuitable" for younger drivers. As a teenager in Europe try buying a GTO or WRX and see how far you get. The first thing the dealer is going to say is "certainly sir, just show me your insurance details". No insurance, no car. In the UK a typical teenager can get insurance for non-sports cars under 1600cc easily enough although even then the cost is far more attractive for something like a 1200cc Starlet. Want to modify it? Sorry, no.

Insurance companies make their living assessing risk, none of them would cover an 18 year old driving a GTO, (for example) at any price. ACC does, at the same price as you're Mum in her corolla. This is one example of how an artificial market creates huge inequities in costing, the real cost of personal insurance for kids in badly modified sports cars is just plain unacceptable, no matter who’s paying for it.

I also have a problem with lending institutions behaviour. If you look at the price of cars in low socio-economic areas they’re damn near twice that of others. Same with yards that specialise in “boy racer” models and accessory shops. Why? Because they’re not selling cars they’re selling finance. High interest finance, because it’s high risk lending, they expect a high rate of defaulters. I don’t know where the line between ethically valid financial lending and outright usury is but I reckon that’s well over it. If high risk vehicle owners had to pay the full costs of purchasing and insuring their vehicles up front a lot of our problems would disappear overnight.

[Swoop]

Agreed.
The facts:
Assumptions:
Realities:
Each of the classes has taught me something different about road awareness.

I don't think we should raise the driving age.
I do belive you may have something here. KB has discussed the effects of riding for a while, before being allowed a cage licence (see below a-la froggies). A licence structure thet requires all drivers to learn (but NOT be licenced to operate) all classes of vehicles?
Interesting.

I think a combination of raising the drinking age and the driving age could be a well spent improvement.
Not if you are the politicians who are deriving revenue from this...

No unsecured loans, no 'ticking-up' mags/stereos/tints/body-kits either.
Need to spread rep around, etc, etc....

it will not be long before Knackstedt and Clarke conspire to take you guns your bikes ...
"Cold dead hands?"

What about when they start protecting the public from the possibility of senility?
COOL! They can get rid of the incompetent idiots we have at the moment! Who said the dinosaurs are extinct...

"fuck Susan Mum, I want my my fucking license.....now".

A. The little shite should not have spoken like that in front of his Mum.
B. He was throwing a 3 year old tantrum
C. He could not see past the moment at hand (typical teen attribute)
D. So long as he dressed like a threat to NZ motorists, he will be tested accordingly, by the obviously vigilant instructor.
Good on the testing officer!

Amazes me how many stAunch young guys throw the toys out of cot when they fail. How dare you fail me!
Not authority figures, just attitude. The "PC" environment dosen't help the issue.

CMT and a good RSM will learn them out of that behaviour!
Fucken A!

Why? Because they’re not selling cars they’re selling finance. High interest finance, because it’s high risk lending, they expect a high rate of defaulters.
Good to see someone "gets" it!

[kro]

Hey, don't get me wrong, had you have bought this topic up 15 years ago, I would have defended the driving age, but I am at a major loss to find the good teens these days, they are damn hard to find,

I see jumped up little fucks, of both genders, behaving like retards on our roads on a daily basis, I have very little other than this to rate the ability of youth in general to handle themselves responsibly on our roads, and I believe the damage is multiplying every month.