Do I really need to do 120 hours in my logbook?

This is a question that comes up time and time again.  Why do I have to do so many hours? Ugh…120 hours is so many. It’s just easier to cheat your logbook.  Take a moment and have a think about that statement.  What answers did you come up with?

With the younger generation over represented in Victoria’s road toll, I think the answer should be, “to ensure we have a wide variety of driving in many different environments and conditions”.

The statistics don’t lie.

The 18-25 age group road toll has increased by at least 300% this year alone.  That is absolutely horrifying! I’m know for a fact that many of my clients past and present have told me about losing a friend, acquaintance or peer at school.  I myself, lost a friend to a car accident back when I was 17.  Two of my friends Rod and David were driving home from a ski trip for the weekend (this was 1984). I was meant to go but blew them off for a date with a young man.  Only Rod came home.  It was driving inexperience that caused the accident according to the coroner.  Going too fast into a bend and over corrected coming out.  To this day, I think about David at least once a week.  His parents and twin brother never got over it.  This is heartbreak and but a very real thing!

So, what can we do to minimise the risk?

Don’t cheat on your log book!  I’ve heard many stories of people fudging their hours and all you’re doing is increasing your risk of dying or becoming injured on our roads.  Yes, I know you may think your daughter or son is a great driver and takes all discussions on board in the car, but the importance of doing the hours honestly, particularly when you reach approximately 60 hours, you should be supporting without telling them what to do.  Coach, don’t instruct.  Ask questions such as, how do you think you went doing that lane change?  I’m sorry if it seems I’m preaching to you, that is not my intention. I am passionate about road safety and ensuring our children come home safely each day.  Isn’t that what we all want? So, next time you hop in the car, think about the journey ahead and how they would deal with it if they were solo.

Any questions or concerns going forward, drop me a line anytime.

Until next time,  Sarah