Barely Legal?

Last night I watched a programme on BBC 3 called "Barely Legal Drivers" which followed the driving of 2 new drivers who had been allowed to borrow their Parents' cars for the week.

 Whilst the idea was interesting it was, of course, Television entertainment and as such showed us exciting, dangerous and angry footage whilst I am sure there would have been some examples of good and sounds driving too.



The parents were invited to watch 3 car journeys and were accompanied by an ex Traffic Policewoman who analysed the driving and at the end a decision was made to pay for a car for the driver or send on an advanced driving course.

All good except that the examples of bad driving reached criminal behaviour for both drivers and so this aspects was sensationalised for the shock effect.  The lad drove at 100 mph at one point in very wet conditions and was about to drive whilst over the alcohol limit, whilst the girl used her phone, ate a full meal and regularly took her hands off the wheel.

The problem I have with the programme is that yet again the younger generation are blamed for the majority of problems nowadays and so it unfair on the MANY young people who are sensible, moralistic and law-abiding.

Every day I teach people in this age group and regularly talk to them about all aspects of their lives.  I find them against drink driving, taking drugs, speeding and they have a very real awareness of danger.  I can count on one hand those irresponsible youngsters I have come across who are not yet ready to drive and have told them so.

Please will society stop villainising the future of our society and give them some respect....