Here we go again with more of your opinions on training teenagers to drive: the dangers, the right age and more helpful reference works. You folks make many good points.
Dear Dr. Gridlock:
I am aware of several incidents in which teenage drivers were harassed by older drivers over their inexperienced driving behavior. Sometimes the older driver was embarrassed upon discovering it was a teenager at the wheel.
In Scotland, where I grew up, new drivers had a sign on the rear and front bumpers of their vehicle identifying them as learners. Back then it was a large L.
How about a "Student Driver" sign, like those on commercial driving school vehicles? It's amazing how tolerant people are when they realize they are stuck behind an inexperienced driver. It won't eliminate the harassers entirely but, generally, people are more patient when they realize the driver in front of them is still learning the ropes.
We should have an officially sanctioned temporary sign available for teenagers driving private cars. It won't address all the problems we have with inexperienced drivers, but it would certainly help reduce tensions from other drivers.
If you know of some way to promote this idea, I'd love to hear of it.
Wendy Foster-Simeon
Woodbridge
I think you've done it. Meanwhile, Jackie Kurtz, a mother in Montgomery County, is selling similar bumper stickers for about $10. You can call her at 301-468-2342 or send an e-mail to newdriversigns@aol.com. The bright yellow bumper stickers are about 11 by 4 inches and read "NEW DRIVER. Please Be Patient."
Dear Dr. Gridlock:
My 16-year-old sister Julie died as a result of a car accident. The 16-year-old driver of the car she was riding in died, too. Our family never really recovered from this tragedy. Although more than 30 years have passed, it still hurts to think about Julie's death.
Please, please, please never stop writing about, and responding to letters about, the dangers of teenagers and driving. Despite the few requests to stop, I believe not enough can be said on this subject.
Mary Ellen Hindin
Washington
Dear Dr. Gridlock:
