Give new drivers a brake and back off

I am writing this letter in hopes of making more people aware of student drivers on the road.

I have a student driver in my home. I have noticed things more now than I would have normally. I am asking that all experienced drivers out there please slow down and back off. It is frightening enough for a new driver to be on the road without us on their bumpers. How would anyone feel if they caused a teenage driver to go off the road because they were in a hurry?

These new drivers are trying to obey the laws, drive the speed limit and be careful and courteous. We, as experienced drivers, are setting a bad example for our young adults in our community. We complain because our children have no manners and die in car accidents while we do not set a good example for them. So if you see a young driver in the car, with what looks like a parent giving instructions, please be respectful! It is hard enough to teach a child when we are nervous, too.

As for all of you who will write and, I am sure, have a smart comment to this plea, just remember: most of you have had teenage drivers and should know how it feels. If you have children who are not teens yet, they will be. If you do not have children and do not plan to, remember that you were a teenager once, too. The only way to get respect is to give it. So let’s give our new drivers a break, slow down and stay back. You could save a life. Try smiling at them instead of cursing at them – a smile goes a lot further.

Lake Stevens