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Well, FO, I'm assuming the 17 year old is still in HS. The most my son drove when in HS was an hour away. It wasn't until he was 18 and in college that he started making long trips. Here, you don't get your license until you're 16 1/2. So, assuming he's only be driving 6-12 months and is in HS - I'm with mama! It's an age factor to me because of experience and maturity.
Sorry, FO, but I agree w/Momma 
. Can he bring a friend with him?
. Can he bring a friend with him?
Could we have moderator just delete this thread please?
FO ...
Why would you want to delete it? This is an interesting thread ... and not at all like the "drinking on official visits" thread, destined to destroy friendships
If you really want it deleted, I can do that for you ... just let me know.
Why would you want to delete it? This is an interesting thread ... and not at all like the "drinking on official visits" thread, destined to destroy friendships
If you really want it deleted, I can do that for you ... just let me know.
What kind of traffic would the kid be driving in? That would make a huge difference if it were me. Are we talking big city or rural travel? Actually I didn't even let my boys drive to the next town when they were 17, lol, so I probably shouldn't even be participating in this thread. 
Sorry FO....sounds like we are all ganging up on you....BUT.....have to agree with your wife here. What about a bus ticket?????
Naw, FBM, kinda saw the writing on the wall......... 
Thanks, luvbb, will check on a bus ticket.
Thanks, luvbb, will check on a bus ticket.
At 17, it's kind of a toss up. Depends on where you have to go, how parents feel their son can handle trip by themselves. At 17 I wouldn't let mine drive to Miami, 40 miles away but north to Orlando (260+) was ok.
Son has now made 12 hour trip to Clemson a few times by himself since last year. We mapped out his route and spoke frequently on cell phone.
Son has now made 12 hour trip to Clemson a few times by himself since last year. We mapped out his route and spoke frequently on cell phone.
FO ...
Actually I was the 250 mile vote ...
Actually I was the 250 mile vote ...
At 17 the young man does not have enough experience/time behind the wheel....not for a long trip. There is no substitute for experience....and age too.....
Sorry FO.....but listen.....Grayhound is a good thing.....
Sorry FO.....but listen.....Grayhound is a good thing.....
My youngest is 17 and wanted to drive to older son's college 80 miles away by himself. I was willing to consider it, but my husband vetoed. But he does drive all over our fairly busy metro area (Minneapolis/St. Paul) with carefully mapped out driving directions and strict instructions from Dad! 
As others have mentioned it depends on the driver and the destination, but I would be concerned about a fairly new driver being able to sustain his focus and attention for several hours of driving alone.
As others have mentioned it depends on the driver and the destination, but I would be concerned about a fairly new driver being able to sustain his focus and attention for several hours of driving alone.
mama said, "See what your lady friends on the hsbaseballweb would say"
I knew better...........
But, anyway, MAMA is now driving........
I knew better...........
But, anyway, MAMA is now driving........
FOO - Please tell Mama that we say 'you're welcome'
We wish Mama and son a safe trip.....quality time....now with our son.....so far away.....wish we had a few more road trips....enjoy!
It's a long and winding road..........
FO - Momma is a very bright lady!
FO...I'm guessing your son will NEVER let you ask us another question again!
Luvbb - I bet you're right! It would be interesting to see how the dad's voted on this subject - I think FO would probably have gotten the win.
It would be interesting to see how the dad's voted on this subject - I think FO would probably have gotten the win.
FO,
Please remember this...."If Mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy." It will be in your best interests to always remember this before asking any future questions.
See, my husband learned this a long time ago...he even bought me a sweatshirt for a gift one time with this quote on it.
Please remember this...."If Mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy." It will be in your best interests to always remember this before asking any future questions.
See, my husband learned this a long time ago...he even bought me a sweatshirt for a gift one time with this quote on it.
the poll probably would be different if by dads
F-O, if they have the appropriate experience, I don't see a big problem -
that said, I'm never at ease til I know they're safe whether they're on the highway, or in the city
.
F-O, if they have the appropriate experience, I don't see a big problem -
that said, I'm never at ease til I know they're safe whether they're on the highway, or in the city
.
This neurotic, overbearing Mamma would never allow it...the cell phone would be literally fried due to the number of calls asking...."where are you now"...the grey hairs would multiply 10 fold...at 20 I will not let mine drive the 8 hours home alone...too afraid of a break down...an accident etc...perhaps my fear is anchored in a horrible event that happened to a boy a year older than mine his Freshman year of college where he encountered an evil human on his way home from work..I cannot give details as they are too awful to convey here...but suffice to say this youngman was the second person killed by this man that day...it impacts alot of how I view people and life
Sheesh, let the boy drive the trip. In a year, he could be in Iraq driving a Humvee thru downtown Falluja.
There is only one way to get the experience driving....and that is driving.
There is only one way to get the experience driving....and that is driving.