driving debate
21 May 2009, 10:22 AM
#31
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Aug 2002
Posts: 39,877
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Its all down to the individual as ever. Did he say why he passed the stop sign? No reason why you can't be a perfectly capable driver at 17, as long as you have got enough common sense to be a bit responsible the way you go about it.
I am sure he will have learned something from that, pity about the Merc though!
Les
I am sure he will have learned something from that, pity about the Merc though!
Les
21 May 2009, 10:27 AM
#32
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: Disco, Disco!
Posts: 21,825
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
my younger brother(who is 17) recently got a car. a few of the family disagreed saying he was to young
however he saved up and got the car and my gran paid his insurance. he was only driving for 2 months when he crashed(bet you didnt see that coming lol) basically in a housing estate, hit an unmarked cross road and didnt stop. he hit a £30,000 merc
he hit the merc side on and twisted the chasis, it was a write off. his corsa was repairable as it was only front end damage. my arguement is...
is 17 to young an age to start driving? i think that it is to young. what do you's think?
p.s his corsa cost £600 lol
however he saved up and got the car and my gran paid his insurance. he was only driving for 2 months when he crashed(bet you didnt see that coming lol) basically in a housing estate, hit an unmarked cross road and didnt stop. he hit a £30,000 merc he hit the merc side on and twisted the chasis, it was a write off. his corsa was repairable as it was only front end damage. my arguement is...is 17 to young an age to start driving? i think that it is to young. what do you's think?
p.s his corsa cost £600 lol
Sounds like he was too young, and not possesing the above atributes, driving off was a bad thing to do, lack of respect for others and thier property just shine through. I hope he is banned for a year!
21 May 2009, 11:01 AM
#34
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: Disco, Disco!
Posts: 21,825
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
21 May 2009, 11:09 AM
#35
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 3,236
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
thats all well and good but even a 1 litre unmodded car can still reach speeds of 90 miles an hour and passing your test is a lot harder now than when i passed mine its all about keeping a vehicle under control, touch wood ive been driving for 20 years and never had an accident but i did get run into by an 80 year old who in my eyes shouldnt have been behind the wheel but all i can say is that i hope he has learned by his mistake only time will tell
When I say unmodded, I mean anything, even paint schemes etc. if the car is not as it left the factory, then it is siezed and scrapped, no questions asked.
21 May 2009, 12:00 PM
#37
Scooby Regular
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I passed a month after I was 17 and had a corsa 1.0l for 5 months, and even saw quite a bit of snow that christmas. I'll admit that when I first passed I drove like an absolute ****, I matured very quickly though. I've got a Astra 1.9 16V (150 - tuned to about 250bhp/400ftlb). I've always drove fast, but I never exceed the limits of my car and always make sure that I know what a car is capable of before pushing it to those limits. I'm now 20 and had no accidents 
(except first day when I got my new car someoen drove into the back of me :@ but they paid for the repair to the rear bumper 
). I also think that the tests are too easy, they should make the tests involve some sort of advanced driving test from the get go (skidpans - i know it sounds like fun to us but it would really help those who have no idea! And deter those who can't be bothered!). And making young drivers drive **** boxes doesn't help, Corsa Bs with brakes that have been on the car for 200k miles are bound to be a danger. I was lucky in that I had a nearly brand new Corsa C as my first car. Having driven some of my friends cars I wonder how they haven't crashed yet, although most of them won't even set foot in my car.
Scoobyvirgin, what subaru have you got btw? I've seen this silver subaru with black decals driving around that I'm interested in the spec, and is there a tuning place around here? I heard rumours that there are
(except first day when I got my new car someoen drove into the back of me :@ but they paid for the repair to the rear bumper ). I also think that the tests are too easy, they should make the tests involve some sort of advanced driving test from the get go (skidpans - i know it sounds like fun to us but it would really help those who have no idea! And deter those who can't be bothered!). And making young drivers drive **** boxes doesn't help, Corsa Bs with brakes that have been on the car for 200k miles are bound to be a danger. I was lucky in that I had a nearly brand new Corsa C as my first car. Having driven some of my friends cars I wonder how they haven't crashed yet, although most of them won't even set foot in my car.Scoobyvirgin, what subaru have you got btw? I've seen this silver subaru with black decals driving around that I'm interested in the spec, and is there a tuning place around here? I heard rumours that there are
21 May 2009, 12:02 PM
#38
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Northallerton
Posts: 358
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I passed at 17, got into my first car MY99 Impreza Turbo (which I bought, insured, taxed and MOT'd) and am still driving it today (touches wood).
It's all to do with the individuals maturity, soom people won't grow up till mid 20's and some act much more adult in their teens.
The problem however is the test, it only really tests your control over the vehicle and awareness of others. At no point are you instilled with the sense of 'If i fly round that corner at NSL, is their going to be a car their? which I will then proceed to collide with, resulting in me having a catastrophic bleed and dying' etc. Neither are you taught suffieciently enough to drive appropriately to the conditions
I think learners should be shown what happens to the human body in a crash, the effect on victims lives, the frailty of the human anatomy, and what little protection a vehicle offers. Maybe then immature potential drivers will take notice and adjust how they behave?
It's all to do with the individuals maturity, soom people won't grow up till mid 20's and some act much more adult in their teens.
The problem however is the test, it only really tests your control over the vehicle and awareness of others. At no point are you instilled with the sense of 'If i fly round that corner at NSL, is their going to be a car their? which I will then proceed to collide with, resulting in me having a catastrophic bleed and dying' etc. Neither are you taught suffieciently enough to drive appropriately to the conditions
I think learners should be shown what happens to the human body in a crash, the effect on victims lives, the frailty of the human anatomy, and what little protection a vehicle offers. Maybe then immature potential drivers will take notice and adjust how they behave?
21 May 2009, 12:09 PM
#39
Scooby Regular
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Some good valid points there but I disagree about the showing what happens in a crash... Without sounding like a tool, I have no doubt that I would be completely unaffected by watching that sort of thing. What needs to happen is the test needs to be more comprehensive and more applicable to real world situations! It's not like tests aren't expensive enough as they are, somewhere like an airfield would be perfect for teaching learners.
21 May 2009, 12:25 PM
#40
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Northallerton
Posts: 358
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I can see your point, however if it was displayed in the right context, showing how easy it is to misjudge a corner say, then end up in the ditch with you and your friends bleeding to death down a B road somewhere, I think it could work.
Obviously it wouldn't change everyones attitude to driving, but if it helps to change a few...
Obviously it wouldn't change everyones attitude to driving, but if it helps to change a few...
21 May 2009, 01:59 PM
#42
Scooby Regular
And making young drivers drive **** boxes doesn't help, Corsa Bs with brakes that have been on the car for 200k miles are bound to be a danger. I was lucky in that I had a nearly brand new Corsa C as my first car. Having driven some of my friends cars I wonder how they haven't crashed yet, although most of them won't even set foot in my car.
21 May 2009, 07:15 PM
#43
Scooby Regular
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Pot Belly HQ
Posts: 16,694
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The law states you must be 17 years old to hold a driving licence. The driving test is there to show that you meet the miniumum acceptable capacity to being able to drive a car legally.
The test is not dependant on age. You could be 35, 50, 67 etc and you are still examined to the same minimum standard in order to obtain your full license.
Once you have that license, it is up to you to keep up with at least the minimum standard, no matter of your age.
You are expected, with more experience, to get better, hence the two year probationary period of only having 6 points to play with in contrast to the usual 12.
The test is not dependant on age. You could be 35, 50, 67 etc and you are still examined to the same minimum standard in order to obtain your full license.
Once you have that license, it is up to you to keep up with at least the minimum standard, no matter of your age.
You are expected, with more experience, to get better, hence the two year probationary period of only having 6 points to play with in contrast to the usual 12.
21 May 2009, 08:06 PM
#45
Scooby Regular
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
There should definitely be some incentive to both increasing the difficulty (or at least scope!) of the driving test as well as some form of incentive towards better first cars for people (this could include something like a government subsisidised health check on the car).
I'd be in tears if I crashed my car after 20 minutes, actually I'd be in tears if I crashed at any point
health check on the car).I'd be in tears if I crashed my car after 20 minutes, actually I'd be in tears if I crashed at any point
21 May 2009, 08:20 PM
#46
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: The poliotical wing of Chip Sengravy.
Posts: 6,129
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
None of you lot will ever get a job with the rozzers, will you ?
Firstly, what was a 30k merc doing on an 'estate' ?
People that live on estates can't afford to spend 30K of their hard earned bingo & ALDI money on a car, so most likely a criminal, I'll wager.
Firstly, what was a 30k merc doing on an 'estate' ?
People that live on estates can't afford to spend 30K of their hard earned bingo & ALDI money on a car, so most likely a criminal, I'll wager.
21 May 2009, 08:20 PM
#47
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Swilling coffee at my lab bench
Posts: 9,096
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
But the whole point of the car having to be standard would mean an end to the whole culture that has developed. Kids are hardly going to hang around MacDonalds or drive up and down the high street in a bog standard car. They do it because they are desperate to be noticed by society. It is the next stage from wearing stupid clothes that most youngsters go through.
When I say unmodded, I mean anything, even paint schemes etc. if the car is not as it left the factory, then it is siezed and scrapped, no questions asked.
When I say unmodded, I mean anything, even paint schemes etc. if the car is not as it left the factory, then it is siezed and scrapped, no questions asked.
Why not just crush the car of anyone caught wearing a hoodie? It has as much to do with how they drive as whether or not they have a sun strip or a set of cheap alloys and a chrome gear ****.
22 May 2009, 10:19 AM
#52
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Dec 2000
Posts: 908
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I think it very much depends on the individual as levels of maturity and attitude differ massively at that sort of age.
More importantly though we should have more in depth driver training, maybe after the initial test has been passed so that new drivers learn more about all the different types of driving such as motorways, A and B roads etc.,. and would include a class in skid control so they don't get caught out on those wet or icy days.
One person I actually feel safest being driven by is only 18, but he has a mature attitude and also happens to hold an International C Race Licence and be an ARDS Licensed Race Instructor, which I think goes a long way to proving that if kids are taught properly they can be safe drivers.
More importantly though we should have more in depth driver training, maybe after the initial test has been passed so that new drivers learn more about all the different types of driving such as motorways, A and B roads etc.,. and would include a class in skid control so they don't get caught out on those wet or icy days.
One person I actually feel safest being driven by is only 18, but he has a mature attitude and also happens to hold an International C Race Licence and be an ARDS Licensed Race Instructor, which I think goes a long way to proving that if kids are taught properly they can be safe drivers.
22 May 2009, 12:05 PM
#53
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: Disco, Disco!
Posts: 21,825
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Absolutely, its called drug dealing, or visiting your poorer relations and showing them your wad!
Last edited by The Zohan; 22 May 2009 at 12:06 PM.
22 May 2009, 12:11 PM
#54
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Apr 2008
Posts: 435
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
17 isn't to young. I had Twin Turbo Supra's and a Clio V6 between 18-20 and i've never had an accident resulting in a claim against me. It's down to state of mind and maturity.
*That an neither car had much room for friends to show off to in them*
*That an neither car had much room for friends to show off to in them*
22 May 2009, 01:26 PM
#55
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Aug 2002
Posts: 39,877
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Best you keep clear of the police I reckon.
Les
22 May 2009, 01:43 PM
#57
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 3,236
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I believe you are missing the point, while there is a whole thriving industry around getting young men to soup up their cars, these same young men will continue to drive around like idiots. By the time they are 21 and old enough to mod a car, they will probably have grown up enough to not bother, or at least to do it properly.
24 May 2009, 12:37 PM
#59
Scooby Regular
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Pot Belly HQ
Posts: 16,694
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The last two vehicles I was involved in stopping where a Vectra (driven by an ex-cop) and a 18 ton wagon.
The reason for stopping them? The Road Traffic Act says I can and it was used for a training excercise. The drivers were quite happy, and are receiving a letter saying "Thank you" for allowing us to have a chat and showing new cops the ropes.
One of the other vehicles examined that day was an Audi TT (57 model) which had two tyres which were down to the canvas. That's 6 points and a three grand fine.
The reason for stopping them? The Road Traffic Act says I can and it was used for a training excercise. The drivers were quite happy, and are receiving a letter saying "Thank you" for allowing us to have a chat and showing new cops the ropes.
One of the other vehicles examined that day was an Audi TT (57 model) which had two tyres which were down to the canvas. That's 6 points and a three grand fine.
24 May 2009, 12:57 PM
#60
The last two vehicles I was involved in stopping where a Vectra (driven by an ex-cop) and a 18 ton wagon.
The reason for stopping them? The Road Traffic Act says I can and it was used for a training excercise. The drivers were quite happy, and are receiving a letter saying "Thank you" for allowing us to have a chat and showing new cops the ropes.
One of the other vehicles examined that day was an Audi TT (57 model) which had two tyres which were down to the canvas. That's 6 points and a three grand fine.
The reason for stopping them? The Road Traffic Act says I can and it was used for a training excercise. The drivers were quite happy, and are receiving a letter saying "Thank you" for allowing us to have a chat and showing new cops the ropes.
One of the other vehicles examined that day was an Audi TT (57 model) which had two tyres which were down to the canvas. That's 6 points and a three grand fine.
3k ... **** me