2 — Northern Territory News, CARSguide, Saturday, May 15, 2010 PUB: NT NEWS DATE: 15-MAY-2010 PAGE: 302 COLOR: C M Y K Parents driving their children to bad habits By MARK HINCHLIFFE PARENTS should be banned from teaching their children to drive or signing off on their learner log book until they have completed a driver competency test, according to a leading road safety campaigner. Russell White, who developed the national Fatality Free Friday (FFF) initiat- ive, urged parents to get involved with their children’s driver education. His call came as 182 student drivers and the same number of instructors and cars bunny-hopped their way to a world record for simultaneous driving lessons in 10 venues around the nation. The world record driving test was held to launch this year’s FFF on May 28. ‘‘What we wanted to do was launch FFF as a campaign, not just a one-day event,’’ he said. ‘‘We also wanted to highlight the need to focus on training as an important part of the road safety solution. ‘‘It’s not high enough on the road safety agenda.’’ The road safety author and former boss of the Holden driver training school at Norwell, south of Brisbane, called for a higher standard of profess- ional training and for parents to get involved. ‘‘It’s important that they keep re- freshed and go back and learn,’’ he said. ‘‘I would like to see parents banned from teaching a young driver until they have completed a competency test,’’ he said. ‘‘Driving instructors are saying that half the good work they do with young drivers is undone by parents.’’ The world’s largest driving lesson was held at two venues in Brisbane and Melbourne and one each in Townsville, Darwin, Sydney, Adelaide and Can- berra. Drivers who wish to take part in Fatality Free Friday can register at www.fatalityfreefriday.com MUM GETS KIDS' VOTE NOT TYPICAL: Kathryn Britt with her three children Ruby, Ella and Sam C HILDREN feel safer in mum’s taxi than when dad is at the wheel. A British survey has found that six out of 10 children aged five to 16 are happier and more relaxed when their mothers are driving. Australian road safety campaigner Russell White said parents should remember they were a role model to their children and it was important for children to feel safe in the car. ‘‘Kids exposed to poor driving copy that behaviour,’’ he said. ‘‘They are a product of their parents. ‘‘They watch everything that is going on and those seeds that are planted early come to fruit in their teens.’’ The British Guild of Experienced Motorists survey found that children believed their fathers drove too fast, were more aggressive and lost their tempers too quickly. Mums were less likely to suffer from road rage, did not dodge in and out of traffic, were more considerate to other motorists and had nicer cars. However, the poll found that children said their mum was more likely to stall the car, bump into a wall and had difficulty parking. White said there was no doubt women drove differently to men. ‘‘Women are more neutral in their views of the external environment while men are more aggressive,’’ he said. ‘‘It’s one of the reasons kids get car sick.’’ The survey found that children didn’t like dads’ impatience while 83 per cent said they often drove at high speeds. When dads were driving too quickly, 39 per cent knew not to comment, 22 per cent gripped the seat in front of them nervously and only 26 per cent asked dad to slow down. More than half of dads were accused of regularly shouting at other drivers and 35 per cent of children said they were nervous when dads lost their temper. By contrast, 70 per cent of children said mums happily sang their hearts out while driving, and 52 per cent said they talked non-stop to keep the families entertained. However, before mums and dads start to fight over their driving abilities, one- third of children said they were embarrassed to be driven around by either of their parents. Mother-of-three Kathryn Britt said her family was not typical of the survey results. ‘‘Yeah, we feel equally unsafe with both parents,’’ joked 15-year-old son Sam. However, three-year-old daughter Ella said her mum was typical of the survey as she sang and talked more while driving. ‘‘That’s what I don’t like,’’ said Ruby, 13. Dads drive too fast TWO thirds of kids say dad is more likely to weave in and out of the traffic, changing lanes at speed to avoid getting stuck in a jam. DADS are more intent on getting from A to B as quickly as possible, whereas mums take things slower and spend their time singing or chatting to the kids rather than getting annoyed with other drivers. 55 PER CENT of dads are said to have had more accidents than mums probably because 78 per cent are more aggressive. WHEN dad is shouting at other drivers, 30 per cent of children slump down in their seat to hide, while 2 per cent cry. A QUARTER of children admit their dad’s driving scares them. SEVEN in 10 children say mum is more likely to stall the car when pulling away from a junction or performing a hill start and 64 per cent of kids say mum is incapable of reverse parking. 67 PER CENT say their mums bump into walls, road signs and lamp- posts. MUM is most likely to get lost when driving. DADS are more likely to use their mobile phone illegally. Things kids like about mum's driving TALKS to keep the children entertained SINGS at the wheel DRIVES at a reasonable speed IS considerate towards other motorists HAS a nicer car Things kids don't like about dad's driving DRIVES too fast SHOUTS at other drivers DODGES in and out of the traffic TOO aggressive HAS more accidents See mitsubishi-motors.com.au for further information. Offers at participating Mitsubishi Dealers only. While stocks last. Mitsubishi Motors Australia reserves the right to extend or modify these offers. Offers available on new vehicles ordered and delivered between 1 May and 31 May 2010. Business, Fleet sales by special arrangement. †10 year or 160,000km Powertrain Warranty (whichever comes first) (non transferable). *5 year or 130,000km New Vehicle Factory Warranty (whichever comes first). ^5 years or 130,000km Roadside Assist (whichever comes first). Service conditions apply. ‡4 year or 60,000km Capped Price Servicing (whichever comes first). 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