Take It Easy On the Roads These Days written 3/03/2000

I have direct experience with which I am about to speak and I have also noticed same reinforced to myself over the past few months.
Starting back in 1985 and all the years that follow, we have experienced what was termed in hindsight as a 2nd baby boom.
Approximately as many children were born beginning in those years as the first baby boom.
Now we are at the start of a new era concerning this boom. And if some of you will think back over your driving experiences during the last few months or so, you may have noticed but not understood this phenomenon of which I am speaking.
These 2nd boomers are now learning to drive. Hello! They are everywhere! The point I am trying to make is to ask us to remember this fact as we drive down the road "these days". There are a significant number of student drivers sharing our roads. It is easy to spot them. Lots of brakelights, more swerving and slow turns. A lot of times you may also spot a slightly fear stricken parent passenger baring white knuckles, clenched jaw, rapidly graying temples.
I am reminding drivers of these student drivers in a day when a lot of us have begun to take driving for granted and expect others to drive with the same finesse, quality and style as ourselves. Unfortunately, as most of us know, that is a view that has never been based in reality. People's driving styles are as different as their personality. But that is not the point I am trying to make. Road rage develops when we lose sight of the fact that we can only control our own behaviour. Experienced drivers need to remember that these less-experienced kids are out there now in increasing numbers. They are learning to be good drivers and we can help them succeed by our own example. Show them how good drivers perform behind the wheel in various situations.
If you see a vehicle apparently not driving as competently as you expect, fall back, take a little notice and if you must pass, do it with care and caution. There are indeed more kids out there on the roads these days.