Daughter's Driver's License - Part 3

I've mentioned in previous posts how as a parent, my eyes have been opened to how our society encourages the use of a car at exactly the age we become motorists. It is interesting to me how blind I've been to this simple explanation, but this post is about a different topic: urban vs. suburban for learning courteous driving.

We've lived intown for years (26 for me this month) and have always found it to be more livable. My daughter's driving presents yet another argument in favor of intown living.

First, I'm still tickled that Kala will take the car to run an errand while I'm sitting here writing this. I don't think I would be as comfortable with her taking the car by herself if we lived in suburbia with the higher-speed roads and large car-oriented shopping centers. North Highland is a busy street, but bicycles often travel the same speed as traffic. Pedestrians crossing at sidewalks have an additional traffic-calming effect. The overall attitude is more forgiving, more laid-back, and ultimately, more safe and enjoyable.

Kala learned to drive on these intown streets. I would have been intimidated learning to drive surrounded by so many cars, bikes, strollers and joggers, but I wonder if all new drivers shouldn't learn to drive this way. You do have to pay more attention to what is going on around you and you may not get there as fast, but you'll be in a much better mood when you do arrive. You'll be better prepared to be a courteous motorist as well.