Home School Heartbeat Radio Program

Mike Smith:
This week, we’ve been talking about parent-taught driver’s education. Wayne, what would you say to the hesitant teenager, not sure he wants to learn to drive with Mom or Dad?

Wayne Tully:
Well, Mike, that’s a tough question. This is my advice to all teens across the world: driver’s education and training has failed us terribly. For over 59 years, we believed that 30 hours of classroom and 6 hours behind-the-wheel training with a driving instructor was all new drivers needed. Crash fatalities have soared out of control. Today’s adult generation, 35-55 years, are considered the worst drivers in the history of the automobile. In 2006, Michael, we’ve experienced 43,632 people who’ve lost their life during a vehicle crash. 1,500,000 people were hospitalized because of a vehicle crash. Teenagers are needed to raise the bar.

This generation of new drivers needs to do a better job. If we empower these teenagers with the latest learning technology and get the parent involved with each and every step, then the whole family becomes a better driver. The parents become better drivers because they will also learn or relearn. A good curriculum and well-done driver’s education videos are what each and every family needs to create a family of safe drivers for life.

Mike:
Well, thank you, Wayne. I’m sure teenagers who are listening out there are encouraged by what you had to say. Until next time, I’m Mike Smith.