Many teenagers today feel their 16th birthday marks the moment when they possess the maturity, capability and skill to operate an automobile safely. After all, they’ve taken driver’s education while in high school and have passed a written examination.
Sadly, year after year, statistics prove otherwise.
The proposed Washington state legislation that would mandate a “student” sticker be affixed to vehicles operated by newly licensed drivers is a good idea, but hardly a new one. Nor does it address the primary issues of maturity and training. Several European countries utilize better methods.
For instance, in England you may earn a provisional auto license at age 17, after passing a complex written examination. Thereafter, for one year: You must display a learner’s “L” plate on your vehicle (front and back); you cannot drive on any motorway (freeway); and, you must have someone riding with you who is over 21 and has been licensed for three years. During that provisional one-year period, if you have a single accident, you must begin the entire process over again.
Washington state legislation presently proposed for “student” driver stickers also might include a strengthening of our examination process, and meaningful consequences for any accident during an extended training period.
