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Friday, March 14, 2003 Page: 3A
My wife and I have been shouting a bit more lately. Wincing and gasping
too.
We’re taking turns teaching our 16-year-old twins to drive.
It’s not a totally new experience. We went through it with older children.
But this seems tougher.
We’ll get through a roadway issue with one twin and the other will get in
the car and veer off – sometimes literally – in the same fashion.
Of course it’s not always pleasant for them either. They hear advice from
mom and then identical admonitions from dad. Then they might each hear it all
over again because we can’t remember who’s already been told what.
Don’t get me wrong. I’m not complaining.
How else could we get a couple of busy 16-year-olds to set aside time to
spend just with us, to listen raptly, to admit we know things they need to
know.
We also get to shout – usually it’s BRAKE! – without them shouting back.
Actually, we’re screwing up big-time by shouting, according to a wonderful
little free PennDOT booklet called “How to steer them to safe driving.”
Shouting is a no-no, according to a section in the booklet called “What to
remind yourself.” It also offers great initial advice: “Don’t assume that
your student knows what you want done or how to do it. Describe the action to
be taken as simply and clearly as you can.”
No, your other left!
“Up here, near the Turkey Hill, get ready to make a left.”
“Before the restaurant?”
“Right.”
“I thought you said left?”
“Right. I mean OK. MAKE A LEFT!”
My dad always used the word “correct” when he tutored new drivers, advice
that isn’t included in PennDOT’s booklet.
It also doesn’t warn kids about some specific Wilkes-Barre driving
challenges: a) faded directional signs b) slow-moving Lincoln Continentals
that appear to be driverless but actually contain entire bridge clubs of tiny
ladies headed to Hottle’s and c) dented cars with New York plates and broken
windshields that stop without warning, and never move again.
The booklet does, however, contain lots of safety tips, as well as
up-to-date information that can save parents the embarrassment of repeating
out-dated advice from years ago.
You must hold the steering wheel at 10 and 2 o’clock, right? Nope, 9 and 3
have received sanction, as have 8 and 4.
Those who apply for a learner’s permit get the booklet free. It is also
available at driver licensing centers and online at www.dmv.state.pa.us.
(Click on “driver licensing,” then “young drivers” and then on “Tutor’s
Guide.”)
The booklet was produced in December 1999 when the state decided to require
new drivers to get 50 hours of “behind-the-wheel skill building.” It was a
wise move. But if I had power with PennDOT I’d add one more requirement.
No one should be permitted to head off alone, license or not, without first
changing a tire, at least once, in the dark.
Hitting those curbs takes quite a toll after a while.
Call Iseman at 829-7176 or e-mail davei@leader.net.