It really disgusts me how much of a bad reputation teenage drivers have. Yes, we are the least experienced, but we are the most aware. Driving schools force gruesome images down students' throats and make them fear getting into accidents. Most teens could probably name someone who has been in an accident, and are ever reminded of how easy it is to get in an accident and how scary it is, but we have just been taught that it's really easy to not be in an accident if you follow the rules and pay attention. In spite of being newer, the knowledge is fresh in our minds, and the standards are going up--at least, they have in Massachusetts.
Meanwhile, the adult drivers who glance at us with tired dislike are often better drivers, but they also are likely to have acquired bad habits in their years of experience and may drive slightly more assertively (aggressively) as a norm. A friend of mine was in an accident in which the other driver, an adult, crossed the yellow line, and he got pinned with the surcharge on his car insurance (the appeal is coming up) because those recording the accident assumed it was his fault due to his age. What bull is that?
Today I was pulling out of a parking space, looking out my side mirror and over my shoulder non-stop. One black SUV drove by the back of my little green four-door while I was backing up, and I saw another, smaller car pulling into the parking lot. From the path of the car it seemed indubitable that this car, I shall name him Herbert, was not going to hit me. I pulled out with a sharper curve, so that I would end up perpendicular to the row of cars, in my 'lane,' if you will, and completely out of Herbert's way. When 75% out of my spot, Herbert honked at me, and I glanced back to see nothing wrong, except Herbert continuing on his path by me, with his driver giving me a brief glare. I realize that I am a teenager and thus stereotypically appear incompetent when it comes to driving, but there was no chance that I was going to hit Herbert unless I really wanted to, though I don't particularly fancy automotive accidents and repair costs.
ALSO, the law was just passed in Massachusetts to make it so that anyone under the age of 18 cannot so much as hold a cell phone while driving. Undoubtedly there will be a few idiots who do it anyway, but I won't speak for the outliers. It's the majority, who follow the law, and will thus be less distracted than the adults who are allowed to use cell phones for phone calls while driving. No one is permitted to text anymore, but adults, those drivers who are 18 or older, can make phone calls. One hand one the phone, dialing, putting it up to an ear, the other hand on the wheel, eyes flitting downward to ensure that the right contact is selected.
How can anyone maintain the stereotype that all teens are automotively incompetent when the laws regarding our driving habits are more strict? Most teens do not want to break the law, and they follow it. I've heard of under-eighteen drivers having someone else answer their phone, and responding to texts. We're not as incompetent as we're made out to be. Please be aware, but not any more wary of us than other drivers. Every driver has the potential to be distracted, careless, or idiotic.
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