Yes, we are the worst drivers in the country followed only by the elderly. And of course, we drive the least safe vehicles, too fast, while yapping on our cell phones and texting, but does this behavior warrant a state mandated magnet?

Susie Kessler, mother of a recently licensed 16-year old, thinks so. She has even gone as far as starting a foundation that has sold over 15,000 of these magnets to helicopter parents across the country. Kessler would like to take her magnets one step farther by submitting legislation to turn these magnets into a state law for young drivers.

Other than the questionable effectiveness of these magnets and the fact that teens will pull the off their vehicles anyway (they're only magnets. not stickers), one has to wonder what is the point of having a sticker when you can look through the windows and see if someone is a young driver.

It also should be noted that mandating these magnets for only one group of individuals is a form of discrimination that the ACLU will surely be all over if this bill passes. I mean think about it, if you saw a vehicle with this magnet on it would drive any differently? And if so, doesn't it mean you are being less attentive (and therefore more accident prone) around vehicles that don't have a magnet.

The best solution to reduce the number of car collisions and fatalities in the youngest demographic is not some silly magnet, but more and experience and practice. When compared to other developed countries the United States has the lowest age requirements, shortest behind the wheel time before getting a permit, and the lowest cost to obtain a license. All of which, help to degrade the seriousness of driving and the quality of drivers on our roads. 

 

Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution via Autoblog Photo: Phil Skinner