You in the driving seat
Wednesday 1 November 2006
Some teenagers can't wait to get behind the wheel of a car and out into the open road.
But does true independence only come with a set of car keys? We find out.
Environmental issues
Olivia, 15, is certainly no petrolhead. She reckons that cars are a nuisance and that using them has serious consequences. "There are way too many cars on the road as it is," she says.
"People should think more about the environment than riding around in big cars."
Selfish drivers
Olivia's not alone in her worry for the world. Perry, 15, looks at the bigger picture. "Why doesn't anybody think of the pollution caused by cars?" he wonders.
"There's no need to have a car if you can ride a bike or get a bus. Car drivers are selfish idiots!"
Independence
Nineteen-year-old Ben couldn't disagree more. He tells us: "I've been driving for two years and I love it. It's great being independent and doing your own thing."
Katrin, 18, has come to rely on her car, telling us: "My car is like my little baby; I go everywhere in it!" The one thing putting her off is the cost of running a car. "Insurance is expensive," she moans. "I think it's unfair because I'm a very safe driver."
The cost of driving
Committed pedestrian Aaron, also 18, can't understand why any teenagers would want a car. "I think it's stupid as people just can't afford it."
He reckons he's got the solution: "You should start driving at 21 and then insurance would be cheaper. Tax might be going up again, too. How can 17-year-olds afford it?"
Is age just a number?
Eighteen-year-old Kathy thinks that teens who do want to get behind the wheel are discriminated against. "Teenagers who drive do get a hard time, people are always cutting me up and I get abuse. My insurance is bigger just because of my age and it's not fair."
No choice but to drive
For countryside-dwelling Phil, 16, having a car is the only option. "When I'm older I'm gonna have to drive because it'll be the only way I can get round."
He has stern words for city folk, however. "I don't see the point of young drivers getting big cars though. What's the point if there's only one of you?"
Over to you
What's your view on getting behind the wheel? Drop us a comment on our contact form or email your comment on video to need2know@cimex.com.
