About those N drivers

While I understand concern with "N" drivers being dinged for stuff they may not have done yet, I have to take issue with the impression that most of them are safe drivers.

Here in Kelowna, it seems to be a rite of passage that getting your N means screaming down the road as if speed signs mean nothing. It seems to be a given that if you have your N, you will dart in and out of traffic without shoulder checking or even signalling. 

The idea that you should see the rear vehicle's front licence plate in your rearview mirror before changing lanes in front of them is a lost skill in the N set, let alone drivers that have their Class 5 or better. The joke that vehicles in Kelowna are sold without the blinker option installed is well-earned. 

But it seems to be something learners are not taught, because once they get that N, safe driving practices seem to go out the window. There are reasons the province enacted the graduated licensing system.

My daughter just got her N and comments repeatedly how many drivers she ticks off because she chooses to drive sanely. People peeling out from around her because apparently the speed limit is too slow for them. Some of these people get downright rude with her, particularly at night when headlights are necessary, driving so close up behind her that their headlights darn near blind her while she's trying to drive. 

Just over 1.5 years ago now, I was rear-ended by an N driver due to a sudden stop I had to make at a stoplight.  My heart sank for the kid because accidents like that can either lengthen how long they have to stay at their N or have it taken away altogether. 

While I am dismayed at what ICBC has done to force N drivers to shoulder most of the accident-driven load of insurance costs, and while I am scared what the single vehicle's insurance is going to look like in this household next June, I can't say I am surprised. 

What I disagree with, is ICBC jumping premiums as high as they have. Should they be raised for inexperienced drivers? Perhaps, but should they be raised that high? Kids and young adults generally work minimum wage or slightly better jobs. Rents in this town are ridiculously high, too. I suppose it's ICBC's assumption that anyone with their N is still living at home, where room and board is cheaper than trying to rent a place with four friends.  

I am also dismayed at the safe driving criteria changes.

I am hearing stories of people whose premiums have dropped significantly, but with an N sharing my vehicle now, what will mine look like in June?  

They say it only takes a few bad apples to spoil the barrel. People like my daughter are both paying for the stupidity of others now. 

Marilynn Dawson