I know what you mean Claire. But wouldn't it be wiser to change the law that the youngest that you can learn to drive to 21, then after a year of passing their test they are made to sit an advanced driving test, so that they can learn how to get out of skids and such, I think it would save a lot of lives.
Scott

I dont know about a change in the law. I just wish people knew the impact or potential impact of their actions. Its not just the really young drivers. Its the whole culture. I agree car handling lessons would be a good idea. They are talking about motorway and night time lessons after you pass. I think it would be a good idea to only allow new drivers cars of a lower power too but you can do damage with them too if you drive like an idiot. Its the same about using phones behind the wheel. The government getting all serious about using a hand set but its been proved its not handling the handset thats the problem its talking on the phone thats the distraction. I dont know what the answer is, it frustrates the hell out of me and I still think programmes like Top Gear dont help the matter. Drink driving has and is slowly becomming less socially acceptable so maybe one day speeding will be the same. I think in the future there'll be so much technology in cars that speeds will be cut automatically as you enter certain zones...that is if we aren't riding around in boats by then!

The youngsters are buying small cars like Corsa's, Polo's and Saxo's. But they are buying fancy exhausts for them and customising their cars.
2 weeks ago up here the police clocked a kid doing 130mph in a Saxo, how they managed that I'll never know. You've also got to remember also the rich boys who are driving Porches and Ferraris who do not have a clue that they are driving a high performance car. If the government made an ad campaign about the effects of speed so frightning that it scares the kids Sh$^&*$&less it might make a difference.
I just despair sometimes, just like you do.
Scott

yes, the lucky ones do something that frightens them and makes them change. The others are 6ft under. 130mph for a saxo is impressive. Thing is, I used to be into some of all that myself. Not all but some. Not anymore. I'm a bit like a reformed smoker I guess.

Yes Claire I agree, the graveyards are full of young kids who thought that they were invincible. But like you, I was like that when I got my motorbike. After a few crashes, I quickly learned my lesson, and my CSM telling me to calm down as the next time I wouldn't be so lucky.
But like you I'm older and wiser now.
Yeah the kid in the Saxo, Yeah, the police were impressed as well, especially when the lad got banned for life.
But alot of them like to show off in front of their mates as well. I tell you my street is like Brands Hatch some Saturday nights. Also the Sea-front in Ayr is popular with them as well. They race up and down the Promenade in their 106's 206's and Corsa's. And yet the local Plods just stand by and let them get on with it. Madness, total madness.
Hey Claire, we should start up a campaign, you and I, what do you think.
Scott

yes, maybe we should. I did look into working for Brake. Have you heard of them? They are a road safety charity. Take a look at www.brake.org.uk.

I wish I'd known of them when I had my crash.

I typed a big ole long message ---got through it ---thought to myself ---darn that just seems to depressing to send! So I deleted it.

"People" are not an endangered species.. As a result it doesn't seem to matter how many die or in what way...THAT SUCKS!! I guess it is someone's idea of population control.

D

Hi Claire, yes I've heard of Brake. Remember I told you about the 14 people killed on the roads in Scotland this weekend. Well the total is now 15. What a waste, the drivers and AA always blame roads as dangerous roads, its not the roads, its the drivers that are dangerous and not giving a thought to other drivers.
Cheers
Scott

Claire, I seen that just last night actually, funnily enough. The thing is, how do you know he won't get PTSD? It is still too early to tell whether PTSD is forming, is will become present. He may get it, he may not... depends how he viewed and perceived the accident to himself really. It is quite normal for them to live from those accidents. Those roll cages are often the most expensive part of those cars, for good reason. I have seen funny cars crash at those speeds, the driver walking away from it, all because of the safety protection they are encapsulated within. If you trust the rollcage, then you won't fear the crash as much.

Yes, its true he might. Like I say I wouldn't wish it on anyone but it would be good in a way if he did get it. Feel bad about saying that, but I think you know what I mean.