Teen drivers under duress

KEYS TO THE CAR- Most teens look forward to driving on their own, but older drivers are impatient with inexperienced motorists. "Step on the accelerator, check your mirrors and blind spot, then merge as fast as you can. You are bound to get on. Somehow, someone will let you on."

The words of your driving instructor echo in your head as you get on the freeway. You step on the accelerator, checking your mirrors, the road, your blind spot and the road again. The speedometer climbs . . . 60, 65, 68. As the cars fly past, you try to merge. No one gives way. The Kanan Road on-ramp is quickly becoming the Reyes Adobe off-ramp. You step on the accelerator again. You must get on. You are going to be late for school.

Today's teen drivers face many hardships on roads full of turbocharged cars and rising speed limits. They must stay alert at all times, keep up with the flow of traffic, be careful drivers and be able to do everything veteran drivers can. In short, a teenage driver, fresh out of driving school, is expected to be the perfect driver. Because of this expectation, teen drivers are treated like experienced drivers and not shown any consideration.

Yet many experienced drivers believe 16- and 17-year-olds are far too young and immature to handle the great responsibility of driving, as seen by the efforts in many states to raise the driving age.

First-year teen drivers have the highest accident rate of any age group, bolstering the argument that teens should not be allowed to drive until they are 18. Would 18-year-old drivers have fewer accidents? Would they have an easier time getting onto the freeway?

Our roads and freeways are infested with aggressive, experienced drivers who fly past teen drivers, cut them off, tailgate, weave from lane to lane and show an obscene sign or two. Of the 1,907 people surveyed in 2004, 69.8 percent tailgate other drivers, 77.9 percent use obscene gestures and 63.2 percent weave in and out of lanes so as to get past slow drivers. These veteran drivers have forgotten the challenges they faced during their first year behind the wheel.

Driving is incredibly unnerving for new drivers. You are driving down the street, following every rule. You need to switch lanes. The car next to you has been traveling at a predictable speed and should not be a problem.

You accelerate, check the driver next to you, then quickly start to move into the next lane. Suddenly, the driver wakes up, gives you this "no way you're cutting me off" look, speeds up and boxes you in. You jam on your brakes, barely clearing the car in front of you. Your heart races, and you feel the blood drain from your face. The driver next to you looks over and smiles.

Without sufficient exposure to sudden random, unexpected traffic situations, teenage drivers do not know what to do or how to react. They feel anxious, rushed and panicked and are more likely to take unnecessary risks and underestimate the hazards of a situation.

To make the roads safer for teen drivers and the driving public as a whole, there must be increased awareness of teen drivers and their needs.

The Department of Motor Vehicles might consider issuing mandatory "First Year Driver" signs to act as clear reminders to experienced drivers. This sign would be similar to the "Baby on Board" signs used by parents. It should be discreet yet clearly visible in the front and back of the car, a universal symbol all drivers can recognize.

In a survey of 35 adult drivers, 99 percent said they would be more courteous and considerate toward a driver with a "First Year Driver" sign. To ensure the success of such a change, there must be public awareness. This could be achieved by advertising in the media, and the DMV could include information on the new signs in letters to drivers renewing their licenses.

Besides help from the DMV, the state or city can conduct effective Road Courtesy Campaigns. Large banners about basic road courtesy could be displayed on freeways and roads.

Such campaigns would not only help teen drivers, but also improve driving conditions for all drivers. There could also be permanent signs, such as "Look out for new drivers" or "Give way to new drivers," to act as constant reminders to the public to treat teen drivers with respect and courtesy.

With more courtesy and consideration, as well as "First Year Driver" signs, perhaps the accident rate for first-year drivers (and all drivers for that matter) would decline. The "First Year Driver" sign on the front and back of your car may be slightly embarrassing, but wouldn't it be nice if someone actually let you in on the freeway? Wouldn't it be nice to get to school on time?

Emily Rossi of Agoura Hills recently turned 17 and celebrated her first anniversary as a driver.