Provisional Licenses Difficult to Enforce

[GoCougs]

What I've noticed though is that most accidents that happen to the 16-18 group have more to do with driving like jackasses as opposed to a lack of skill in general. I don't know the statistics, but that's what I've seen.

I live in a college town now, and college students drive a lot more like human beings than high-schoolers do.

This was my experience, too. Sure, plenty of screwing around in small college town, but there is that jump IMO.

As I drive by my old highschool, it's interesting to note that while the school has 50% or so more students than when I graduated, the parking lot has grown by at least 300%. And there are a lot of new and/or customized vehicles, too. Some of it is due to a slight demographic change, but I think we'd all agree that the natural progression of society is that kids are given more and more at an earlier age. I believe this also adds to the issue of poor teenage driving: the more that is given, the less that is earned, and ultimately respected IMO.

[Raza]

I believe this also adds to the issue of poor teenage driving: the more that is given, the less that is earned, and ultimately respected IMO.

That's a strong generalization to make.

[GoCougs]

Perhaps a better way to say it is, "spoiled." It's imutable and inevitable.

[TBR]

Raza is just being defensive because he is spoiled. I think you are probably right in 95% of cases, including Raza's (get ready!).

[dazzleman]

This was my experience, too. Sure, plenty of screwing around in small college town, but there is that jump IMO.

As I drive by my old highschool, it's interesting to note that while the school has 50% or so more students than when I graduated, the parking lot has grown by at least 300%. And there are a lot of new and/or customized vehicles, too. Some of it is due to a slight demographic change, but I think we'd all agree that the natural progression of society is that kids are given more and more at an earlier age. I believe this also adds to the issue of poor teenage driving: the more that is given, the less that is earned, and ultimately respected IMO.

I think you're mostly right.  A lot of parents buy their kids expensive cars in order to satisfy their own egos.  And people are less likely to respect things that are given to them than things they have to earn.

What I don't understand is parents buying teenagers high performance cars, and then replacing them when the kids wrecks the car.   I can't understand why they're not more concerned for their kids' safety.

[saxonyron]

GoCougs:

"the more that is given, the less that is earned, and ultimately respected IMO."

That's a strong generalization to make.

It is a strong yet accurate generalization. ? As with all generalizations, there are exceptions, but for the vast majority of people, kids and adults, it's true.? It's human nature - you appreciate and value more what you earn.? I could give countless examples from my own life growing up, to my kids, to my employees, to my beloved wife.?

[Raza]

Raza is just being defensive because he is spoiled. I think you are probably right in 95% of cases, including Raza's (get ready!).

I respect everything I have. 

[TurboDan]

I'd tend to agree with Raza.  When I was young, my parents paid for my car/insurance/etc., and at the same time I bought my first boat with my own money that I made myself.  I didn't value or respect the car any less than the boat. 

[dazzleman]

I'd tend to agree with Raza.? When I was young, my parents paid for my car/insurance/etc., and at the same time I bought my first boat with my own money that I made myself.? I didn't value or respect the car any less than the boat.?

I think that you and Raza are right in the minority of cases.  It depends on personality and other factors.  The fact that you were able to buy a boat with your own money also says something.  Had your parents bought you the car and the boat, and paid for all the expenses associated with them, you might have had less respect for both.

We all have had things bought for us.  Nobody is fully self-made; it's a matter of degree.  But as a general rule, those who say that we have more respect for what we've earned ourselves are correct, IMO.

[TBR]

I respect everything I have. 

That's real easy to say, but it doesn't make it true. I have a very hard time believing that you would drive your Passat as hard as you do if you had to earn the $20k something it cost $5 at a time.

[Raza]

That's real easy to say, but it doesn't make it true. I have a very hard time believing that you would drive your Passat as hard as you do if you had to earn the $20k something it cost $5 at a time.

But you believe an imaginary bearded man runs everything from the clouds? 

Think what you will. 

[TBR]

I have faith in God, I don't have faith in you.

[850CSi]

I respect everything I have. 

Quite honestly, I'm the same way. I have a lot of shit, most of which I didn't pay for, and I appreciate every single thing I have.

I could have worked my ass off this year to pay for my expenses, but my parents wouldn't let me even if I wanted to. They want me to concentrate on school for once, and so I got a job that doesn't involve too much work and can help me a lot in the long run that I actually like. I don't make much, but I didn't even know I was going to get paid.

[850CSi]

But you believe an imaginary bearded man runs everything from the clouds? 

He has a beard?

[Rupert]

Spoiled kids are annoying.

[Raza]

Spoiled kids are annoying.

We can be.

[Raza]

He has a beard?

http://members.eisa.com/~ec086636/creation%20of%20Adam.jpg

He's a hoary bastard.

[Raza]

I have faith in God, I don't have faith in you.

Right, so enthusiastic driving is indicative of apathy towards my possessions.  Doesn't matter that I take care of the car perfectly, always let it warm up, always let it cool down, and have the oil changed ahead of schedule.  Because I drive an athletic car hard when the situations warrant, I don't appreciate it. 

Boy, have you got my number.

[TurboDan]

Actually, I'd drive a better, new car harder because it can handle it. 

[93JC]

http://members.eisa.com/~ec086636/creation%20of%20Adam.jpg

He's a hoary bastard.

[Raza]

Actually, I'd drive a better, new car harder because it can handle it. 

Agreed.  You see all these kids driving Explorers and Expeditions like they were Corvettes and getting killed.  And then old cars without the responsiveness you get with new one with the same result.