While not necessarily a magic or total solution to the problem, I'm still convinced that requiring kids, as a condition for getting a license, to spend at least one Friday or Saturday evening at the emergency room of the nearest hospital, assuming that there is one close by. (they will have to give up part of their weekend socializing/partying for just one night). Let them see for themselves what stupidity, rashness, alcohol/drugs, excessive speed, drag-racing, egotism, or neglect of a vehicle's condition can, and often does, do. If a hospital is not nearby, then they can watch videos or be shown pictures.

There is an old saying that one picture is worth a thousand words. Well, to see something in person can sometimes be worth a thousand pictures.

I'd wager that if this was done in more places, more often, we'd see a lot fewer accidents and injuries/fatalities than we do today.

 

I am saying that you are basing all of your analysis on the assumption that all parents will essentially do the right thing. I don't have your optimism and trust in ALL the parents. I don't understand the need for any state to say that it's too burdensome for a 16 year old to have to wait an extra 3-6 months to get a license "the old fashioned way". The risks to society of having wholly unqualified drivers (even a few) on the road severely outweighs the benefits.

If 2-3 months from now, when more is known about the virus, if it is determined that it will be unsafe to have driving road tests until there is a vaccine, then it may be appropriate for states to implement this measure. But not today.

 

The first significant injury caused by a new driver that got his/her license this way. That's how long it will take.

 

Yeah well with current conditions, I don't agree with this at all. I'm not letting anyone in my family near an emergency room unless absolutely necessary.

 

I'm talking about policy in the long run, when society gets back to normal....not necessarily today with its social-distancing.

And, BTW, our local hospital (Fairfax Hospital), one of the best general-hospitals in the country, strictly isolates all Coronavirus patients (or suspected patients) during the entire process. They are processed, treated, isolated, and kept in completely separate wards/units from those without symptoms.

But, back to the idea of requiring kids to see accident-victims....like I said, there are few substitutes for seeing something first-hand. The victim's name (for privacy-purposes) doesn't even have to be given out

 

yeah, need for speed game.

 

I don't see what that has to do with it. They certainly won't pass the test by simulating tripe-digit-speeds (if possible) on a public road.

 

Update: Just saw a CNN report that Georgia will require those licensed without a driving test to take one by September. Don't know if this is an additional mandate, something the press didn't initially report, or I simply missed it earlier.

 

They have until September 30 to do so

https://www.ajc.com/news/state--regi...65ELuWd0a8pMN/