I saw an odd article the other day that talked about teen driving. It shows how many teens are no longer in a hurry to get their license when they turn 16. Some of it has to do with states enacting graduated licensing policies, but there are other reasons.
The article also highlights the role of technology, with one teen stating:
"If I didn't have a computer or have a cellphone, I would definitely push myself
more to get a license to go out and do things."
Hmm, whatever happened to interaction between live people? Aren't there teen activities that you need to be physically present for, like hanging out in fast food parking lots, or (more importantly) making out in a car?
Looking back when I turned 16, I got my license the next month, and then I was on the go. Cellphones and computers aren't really the same as hanging out with your friends, but who knows, times are different now.
The whole trend strikes me as strange though.
Gotta love ~old people reminiscing how everything was better in the old days, but of course, thats kinda paleo too..
Strikes me strange as well Matt. My oldest (22) did not get his license until age 19 (almost 20). He had no desire to get it earlier and I thought maybe he was not ready for the responsibility so I did not press it. I had my license at 16. I remember being 14 and just counted the days until I could drive. My middle boy (14) has a girlfriend now (for almost 2 months and only texts her (all day – everyday) and has never actually called and talked to her. I feel like my times are being “left behind.” Is this evolution? I read something somewhere about how exponentially times are changing at a pace never seen before. The jobs one starts college for these days may not even be available when the graduate.
Matt,
I grew up in europe as you know and I was dying to get my license. I enjoy driving to this day that’s how much I looked forward to it.
You’ve hit home with this post, neither 2 of my oldest girls (almost 18 almost 16) have a license. My soon to be 16 year old doesn’t even have her permit!! I’ve let sleeping dogs lie…it’s maybe a little tougher due to divorce issues etc but STILL. I don’t get it. Weird trend…but maybe it’s evolution in a way.
Marc
Ha!
Marc,
Interesting… I think less teen driving may obviously lead to less risks for teens, so I understand parents not wanting to push the issue.
Whatever happened to Sweet 16??!
Young people often can’t afford to drive. It’s a huge expense, and they hate the hassle of driving and parking, insurance, etc. A lot of young people I know ride the bus or even walk with their friends so they can talk, (and text) without worrying about traffic. what’s so social about driving anyway?
Who knows, maybe as the suburbs slowly implode the youth will drag us back to cities with sidewalks instead of freeways.
I know a lot of young people who like the bus or walking or biking because they can hang out with friends without the stress and expense of driving a car. They get to socialize and avoid a fair amount of hassle. For them, cars are a negative social cost.
Also, most younger people I know can’t afford a decent car and all the expense of maintenance. So they adapt.
I think part of this trend is urbanization, with more and more kids growing up in the city public transportation makes your own vehicle allot less urgent.