I have a new driver in my family. It's been a bit of a nerve wracking experience. I don't really remember learning to drive, but I'm sure I gave my parents the same "heart attack" feeling the first several times I took to the streets.
ONE of the things that scares me is that other drivers don't know that the driver of my vehicle doesn't really know what the heck he's doing, so they can't give him a nice bubble of space, or have extra patience when he's going 25 in a 40 zone. When I first started learning to drive, my mom borrowed a large, white, magnetic "STUDENT DRIVER" sticker from my driver's ed teacher. Smart woman.
I was talking to a woman from Vancouver, BC the other day, and the Canandians have it figured out. When Canadians are learning to drive, they must display a large letter L (for Learner, not Loser) on their vehicle. I don't know what color it is, but I'm imagining that it's bright red, hence the Scarlet Letter. There is no shame in displaying a symbol of your novice status to the world. In fact, I think it would be very comforting. Everyone would know that you need some extra space and time and not glare at you or send you threatening hand gestures.
I think I'll send a letter to my congress-person suggesting we adopt this brilliant idea.
This is a great idea! I'll join in your letter writing campaign.
ReplyDeleteI'm thinking that the sign should be some sort of symbol (you know, for those people who can't properly identify the letter "L.") I envision a simple sketch of two clutched hands on a steering wheel, or a sketch of a face with wide, panic eyes and an open mouth as if it were screaming. :-) Yep, that would instill confidence in all other drivers on the road.