[Sasquatch]

A lot of places are going to a graduated licensing system. I agree with it, but I think that instead of an across-the-board delay for all drivers, there should be some type of monitoring system. There's some type of box that a parent can install that measures speed, acceleration, turning force, etc. while somebody's driving. I wouldn't have a problem with all new drivers having to have something like that for a certain number of driving hours, or six months or a year or so. To make sure the driver is responsible enough to get behind the wheel before he/she is left completely unsupervised. I'd also say they should increase the penalties for reckless driving, DUI/DWI, etc. -- not so much for speeding and such, but for being stupid. Racing, etc.

I'm 20, and I'll only be stateside for another two months between now and after I turn 22, so not much of this would effect me. I've also had my license since shortly after I turned 16 -- but that was because I proved to be responsible enough to drive at 16, unlike my brother and sister who got theirs later. I didn't have any of the "here son, let Mommy and Daddy buy you a vehicle and get you your license as soon as possible without teaching you anything." My dad was a truck driver, too (and ended up doing safety orientations and driver training), so I learned a lot from him. I'm not really stupid with it, either -- I've had my truck for more'n a year, and I still haven't had it above 90 or done reverse drops or anything. Sure, I'll give 'er coming off a stop sign if there's nobody around every once in a while, or maybe have some fun on the ice in an empty parking lot, but nothing near anything that could damage the truck, or me, or anything else.

In short, if they find that kids are more mature and responsible with vehicles at 17 or 18 than they are at 16 and that it could prevent accidents and damage, I'm for it.