Transportation and Vehicle Safety: vehicle safety/teens, parenting youth, capable vehicle

Question
Briefly, what are your thoughts on giving a muscle car to a 16 y/o driver (female, if it matters)?  My daughter's best friend was just given a supercharged camero and I am concerned about her as a passenger.  I am being poo-poo'd about my concerns.  I could use some advice.

Answer
Hello Robin and welcome to AllExperts!

Your questions certainly are rooted in your daughters BF's nature. As I do not know her, this would be difficult to determine.

A fast and capable vehicle is only a modifier or extension of a persons nature, principles and beliefs. To give an example, If someone was known for a violent aggressive temper, you wouldn't want to gift them with a gun, as the weapon would become an extension of their behavior and used to support it.

In general terms, the majority of drivers under the age of 21 are the most aggressive and dangerous operators of vehicles due to their immaturity, lack of judgement, lack of defensive survival skills, and invincibility. They also collect the most violations and get into more accidents than an equal number of other age groups. This is why they pay more to ensure them, and many business will not allow them to drive until 21. Rental businesses want them to be 25 before they will do business with them.

If you base your decision on statistics alone, then you should at least investigate this further and set boundaries, or you could just say no.

If you believe her BF is a cautious, careful, considerate and law abiding driver, then the type of vehicle shouldn't matter.

While I really try to refrain from giving subjective opinions about parenting youth in regards to the operation of vehicles, the following suggestion is the one I always had followed years ago when my kids were that age:

Sometimes it is better to trust a child's integrity and keep the doors open to honest communication, rather than have them lose respect and do what they want behind your back. They are interning for adulthood and unless there are grounds to suspect aberrant behavior, we should give them the opportunity to develop character and trust. Just my 2 cents worth.

Have a great day Robin!!