Some of this is starting to get a little combative, James. Try not to take advice as an affront to teenagers and an insult to you personally. Even when climbing behind the wheel for the last time in my life I'll still be open to suggestions and constructive criticism towards improving the way I drive. Someone might come up with something you hadn't previously considered, so try to think of it in that light.
To respond in a calm and friendly manner to your thoughts: Quote: Originally Posted by ##~James~## (original)
That's complete rubbish to say I wouldn't be able to control a car as well as someone who has been driving for years - I can drive better than my grandma and she's been driving for decades, probably longer than you!
An isolated and poor example. A population sample with n=1 from each group (Young vs. Old) is no basis for a sound comparison! Quote: Originally Posted by ##~James~## (original)
Young people have faster reflexes and should the unthinkable happen I'm sure a young person can react quickly if not quicker than an older driver. I agree that everyone will control the vehicle differently under certain circumstances but I don't think you can say that an older driver will come off better than a younger person every time.
James, I am a scientist working in the field of clinical neurosciences and molecular brain imaging. Please believe me when I tell you that the benefits of having a younger brain (i.e. an increased rate of processing and quicker reaction) pale into insignificance when compared to the greater time you will have to react by virtue of advanced perception (i.e. more experience).far Quote: Originally Posted by ##~James~## (original)
Good driving is about reading the road, being aware of other silly drivers around you. Thinking one step ahead and knowing what other people will do next or if someone else will make a mistake. Anticipate accidents before they happen.
I agree completely. Quote: Originally Posted by ##~James~## (original)
I think its possible for a young driver to be just as sensible and careful as any older driver and I am quite offended that so many older drivers put young drivers all under the same category - were not all stupid boy racers.
You are not being discriminated against for your age. You are being cautioned against overconfidence due to a relatively short driving life thus far. Quote: Originally Posted by ##~James~## (original)
Spend 10 minutes on YOUTUBE and see how many older drivers have ridiculous accidents. Middle - aged men in Ferraris and Lambos showing off, even people doing stupid things on public roads in MINIs and getting in accidents.
Do you think the videos on YouTube are representative of all the drivers in each age group? Or do you think only the most outrageous videos are posted and viewed? Quote: Originally Posted by ##~James~## (original)
My boss at work is 45 years old, had the maximum NCB, hadn't had an accident in over 15 years and suddenly had a knock the other day and nobody says anything, a young person has a knock and they get scrutinised for being careless or reckless. Sometimes its luck of the dice...
Might I ask... what do you think is likely to happen to someone who advises a boss that his poor situational awareness might be the reason for his pride-and-joy now being in the shop for repairs? I suggest this is more down to his position rather than his age. Quote: Originally Posted by ##~James~## (original)
JUST BECAUSE THE MAJORITY OF ACCIDENTS PEOPLE HEAR ABOUT INVOLVE YOUNG PEOPLE DOESN'T MEAN THEY ARE ALL CRAP DRIVERS.
You're talking in absolutes here when there are very few absolutely in life. There are exemplary young drivers, and there are poor ones - just as there will be in an older sample group. However, there will be a smaller proportion of exemplary drivers amongst a younger populace than in an experienced populace - studies conducted by the government, insurance companies, road awareness/safety campaigns, independent motoring organisations, etc all confirm this.(and what is that?!) - after all, despite their slowing reaction times they are involved in a smaller proportion of accidents relative to their numbers.
Just try to drive knowing that you're not as experienced as you could be, and try to take constructive criticism on board. No matter how good a driver you are (or I am) there simply is no substitute for experience. The only thing that comes close are the little snippets of sagely advice you (or I) might gleam from someone who has more experience.
You might think yourself a better driver than your grandma, and perhaps in terms of smoother gear changes, accuracy of steering, and physically controlling the car - you are. But I'm willing to bet that if you took her out for a ride and discussed the environment around your car when you're driving, she just might surprise you (though I accept, this is again n=1 for each group!
).
And finally, I'd like to discuss motivations with you. I'm not motivated by a one-upmanship for driving experience here, and nor do I hope the weight of words will make anyone bow down to any sort of driving superiority. There are more experienced drivers than me, there are better controllers of the car out there than me, and no matter how good you are there will always be someone better. My motivation is to give you as much information as I possibly can so that you'll make faster progress than I am
currently making towards becoming as safe a driver as possible.
This keeps you safe, your passengers safe, other motorists safe, pedestrians near you safe,
and keeps another MINI in fine condition on the road.
All the best,
Andrew.
