It’s a fact that teenagers love independence. The thrill of breaking out into the world is universally appealing; going places, meeting people and building a life outside of school and home. Teens on the verge of adulthood, often around eighteen, are generally just finishing their studies and beginning to understand how the world works. There are just as many risks, of course, as there are assured benefits for these young men and women. Getting one’s first car is one of those great moments in any person’s life – not just as a practical means of transportation, but also as a symbol of freedom and independence. Once a teenager gets their P-plates, a brand new world is essentially opened up to them. They’re no longer relegated to the complicated realm of public transport or forced to bum rides off their parents, guardians or peers.
With such freedom, though, comes a considerable degree of responsibility. It’s a tragic fact of life that road fatalities are highest amongst drivers in their early twenties. This is often the result of inadequate road education. Learning road skills isn’t just about memorising the ‘highway code’ of road rules. It’s also about avoiding reckless behaviour, developing courtesy for other drivers and ultimately responsible driving. The best way to ingrain this kind of safe, rational driving attitude is through professional driving lessons, with a qualified instructor. At ESDS, for example, we teach skills that will stick with drivers for many years to come, ensuring safety on the road and sound behaviour. Explore our website for more.