Cars, Dates, and Families

Cars are often a cause of friction between young people and their families. Sometimes parents just don’t seem to realize how important a car can be to a teen-ager. And conversely, teen-agers don’t understand why parents feel such anxiety and concern over their use of the family car. If most of the young men you know have access to a car, it seems even more unreasonable if you are not permitted to drive. Cars often cause problems among teen-agers themselves. If you are responsible for the family car, haven’t you had the difficult experience of explaining to a friend why you can’t permit him to borrow it?

A BOY AND HIS CAR

Many teen-age boys today feel keenly the need to own, or have access to, a car. Driving a car gives a boy a sense of power. It helps him feel important. He has something to show off. Many girls make a fuss over a boy who drives. A boy may feel that a girl will not date him unless he has a car. Young men who are mechanically inclined want something they can work on, take apart, and put back together. Some fellows spend hour after hour in the garage tinkering with their cars.

The Family Car

Unfortunately there is often disagreement over the use of the family car. Father may feel that you are too young to drive by yourself. Even if you are of legal age, your parents may think that you’re not responsible enough to be trusted with the family car. Dad knows that the insurance rates are higher because there are more accidents among teen-age drivers. For this reason he may feel that it’s too soon for you to drive. Even if you understand and agree with your parents’ feelings, you may still have a longing to drive. There are so many more places you could go. Your girl seems to want to go by car, so what can you do?

Using the family car often proves more difficult than having a car of your own. Maybe your parents want to use the car the same night you do. Perhaps you have brothers and sisters who also use the car. When you feel you really need the car, it’s hard to realize that other members of the family may also feel they need it. Since it’s not usually possible for everyone to have his own car, some sort of compromise needs to be worked out.

To avoid the constant disagreements about who will use the family car, it’s a good idea to work out arrangements ahead of time. Possibly you will each choose a definite night when you will have use of the car. As special events come up, you can request permission in advance to use the car.

Your Own Car!

While having your own car is more convenient, it means added responsibility for you. You must be able to assume the cost of purchase and maintenance. You will be the one who has to keep it in running condition. You are responsible for insurance, gas, and repairs. Even if you fix it yourself, you have to pay for parts.