My Son's Turn To Drive

I have been battling white hair for a few years now and I know now that my son is about ready to learn to drive, I am going to go completely white!   I picked up a book at the D.M.V. about driving rules and regulations, the same one we all have to read to get a licence.  I am proud of my son but feel anxious about letting him behind the wheel.  I know he'll be fine because he has better sense than me and he wants my dad to teach him.

My dad gave test as part of his job when he worked as a Ohio Highway Patrol Auxie.  He was also a Sgt.  in the U.S Army.  My sisters , my brother and I all got taken out for spin around the block with dad to correct our mistakes, everyone of us came back in the house with tears streaming down our face because we messed up.  We all understood that he was training us right and the seriousness of being safe when sharing the road with others.
For me, my oops was turning too wide and in a 1977 Ford LTD, turning wide was REAL WIDE.  My sisters foe-pas were going through a red light on Sandusky Street and not stopping at the railroad tracks on Shanahan Road.  I am not real sure what my brother's boo-boo was, I can't remember but we all experienced repercussions  from our actions.

My son has become real close too his grandpa, almost like pals, so it wasn't a surprise when my son wanted him to teach him the ins and outs of driving.  When I told my sister that, she patted my son on the back and said simply "Good luck, you are going to need it."

My dad is 79 now and I am not sure if his tolerance level is good as it was when I learned how to drive, but when I did my father suggested a local driver's school.  It was there I was introduced to the Driver's Ed Film that the instructor was so proud of obtaining for the class.  My dad spoke to him about his days in The Ohio Highway Patrol and how The Highway Safety Foundation filmed the patrol at the accident scenes. I remember seeing the film for the first time and being "Scared Out Of My Wits" and not wanting to drive that night.

I make sure I emphasis to my son how important staying alert when driving, attention is very important, Safety is number one.  I know he understands and that the wisdom of my dad will sink in.