Teens driving in the Philippines: Things you should know

Here is an article that outlines why a teen can be a danger unto himself without proper guidance behind the wheel.

To a teenager learning how to drive is a rite of passage when they aren’t children nor are they adults. At this stage, they are learning to be more independent and don’t demand much of their parent’s time. Once they learn to drive via a driving school or are taught by their mom or dad to do it right. A big step is getting their learners permit from LTO as icing on the cake. Is this enough to go by on?

The answer is no, and it is a lengthier process because driving is a complicated process. It’s at this stage where young drivers need supervision and input on how to drive. Without guidance, it would be a disastrous combo that can lead to tragedy when teens drive.

Here is an article that outlines why a teen can be a danger unto himself without proper guidance behind the wheel

All teens must learn driving rules and develop a driving mindset. If all aspects of driving skill are not rounded off then what can happen will happen! Murphy’s law is not a good consequence, but it can have mitigated teens harming themselves or others. Is driving a privilege? No, it must be earned and learned by acknowledging the responsibility of having a car.

Teens must prove that they can be left unsupervised or if not, these strategies must be employed to guide them. The worst-case scenario is having driving privileges pull if they prove unfit or re-education is done to correct it.

>>> Also check out: Why driving age should be raised in the Philippine & why not?

I. Teens driving: 3 areas of concern

The day has come; and the learner's permit is acquired, later his license. They get a new car or get to borrow the family car when they need it. So, what’s the problem here? That’s exactly it because parents aren’t always on top. Trouble starts here; if not recognized or corrected then regrets may be in order sooner. Here are three areas to consider when teens start to drive.

Teens driving: What are areas of concern?

1. Peer pressure: In school they are surrounded by their peers so they should be taught to be less susceptible to peer pressure.

2. Immature judgement: Driving needs balanced and mature judgement to make decisions while in the driver’s seat. If the teen has this then reconsider driving privileges until then.

3. Not enough adult supervision: It all lies in adult supervision and without it teaching driving will be a waste of time.

Should all these get into the red zone then expect unsupervised teens and driving becomes a disastrous combo, like a “Bonnie and Clyde”.

II. Dangers that unsupervised teen drivers should avoid

Outlined are dangers that teen drivers will be exposed to and should be avoided at all costs. But, one solution is to talk to your teen and gently warn them why these dangers are critical to personal safety when driving. Having new found freedom without the “ball and chain” who’re mom and dad is a good feeling for them.

Teens should avoid these situations to keep safe while driving. Or else, it will be hell to pay. Or even worse, teens will get their driver licenses suspended.

1. Don’t drink and drive at all costs.

Many teens are open to experimentation, and they get their first sip of liquor or beer as a social initiation into the adult world. Sometimes when teens and their peers gather, they drink and get wasted because they are of “age”. Drinking lessens better judgment and dullens the reflexes so much that an accident can happen anytime. Eating behind the wheel is also a bad driving habit drivers should quit doing.

2. Never drive when lacking sleep or fatigued.

Dozing off at the wheel for a few moments can lead to accidents and to personal injury that can be life-threatening. Having too many activities like going to parties, malls, friends’ houses will be the cause of less rest. One problem with giving them a new car or lending the car is they may not spend enough time resting at home.

Dozing off at the wheel for a few moments can lead to accidents and to personal injury that can be life-threatening

3. Using a mobile for texting and taking selfies.

Distracted driving caused using mobile devices and is one of the causes of accidents involving teens. Teens haven’t learned to concentrate on driving; they fidget the mobile, text, take selfies, and mess with the touchscreen console. A few seconds later disasters may not be far away should things go bad.

4. Unnecessary horseplay while driving.

Teen drivers must keep hands on the wheel and eyes on the road, but distractions like horseplay by rambunctious passengers are deadly. This distracts attention long enough for anything to happen which may turn bad for everyone. Passengers like this should be told to pipe down or stop by someone else besides the driver.

5. Driving fast too much.

Teens are young and adventurous; so they are likely to speed up and endanger others. Stepping on the gas pedal is normal especially for male teens which is a sign of an immature driver.

Driving fast too much is a sign of an immature driver

6. Driving with inebriated companions.

Due to peer pressure, some impressionable teens might talk a little sip or two, which leads to serial drinking. This can happen anytime without their guardians knowing it. Responsible teens should distinguish good from bad influences to avoid trouble especially when driving. 

7. One teen too many in the car.

If they are driving with peers, having too much fun can happen. An adventurous driver can be goaded easily to do the unsafe driving since they might not want to be called “chicken”. Teen drivers will not have the experience of elder drivers that will lead to a serious accident. Knowing his friends and their parents may be a way to know where they are If they're somewhere.

If they are driving with peers, having too much fun can happen

These situations are the most dangerous and will be life threatening for unsupervised teens and driving becomes a disastrous combo that is something any parent or guardian does not want to happen.

III. When should teens be given full driving privileges or a new car?

These are the hallmark that can’t be faked either and here they are. If anyone of them is missing then cancel driving privileges or face Murphy’s Law.

They only sit in the driver’s chair only if they know the burden of responsible driving and consequences of bad driving

• The age is right and not too young or too old!
• He or she has patience while driving and is cool without tantrums.
• Good judgement is present always when driving.
• Traffic rules are respect to a tee! With no ifs or buts especially when stopping on the red light.
• They only sit in the driver’s chair only if they know the burden of responsible driving and consequences of bad driving.
• Basic driving has been mastered thoroughly and has the basics down pat!

This is the hallmarks that should be looked for that leads to a good driver, not an unsupervised teen.

4. Teens driving: Conclusion

Learning to drive is not easy for teens who must learn a mindset for focused and responsible driving. Primary causes of accidents involving teens who are lapses of judgment that become distracted driving that is not desired.

It sometimes can’t be helped but between unsupervised teens and driving which can be mitigated by guidance and counselling by parents or guardians. Their advice will nudge the teen drivers, into the proper disposition while driving.

Parents' advice will nudge the teen drivers, into the proper disposition while driving

At the last moment, don't forget to visit Philkotse.com for more useful tips and advice on driving.