Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Please, Please Step Away From the Car!



Sometimes when I am reading a post and the writer refers or links to a past post I don't go back and read it. Now before you act all shocked and appalled, you have to admit that there are times when each and everyone of you do the same thing.

However, to get the full impact of this post, you really need to go back and read Step Away From The Car . and Step Away From the Car Again.

Go ahead and read them. We'll wait.

Well, you may remember that the car was replaced and JM was able to be free again! Yea! He was SO happy. I was no longer a chauffeur AND had someone to run quick errands for me. I was SO happy.

That was less than 3 weeks ago.
I've included a picture of the car the day he got it in case you missed that post.
I've also included the most recent picture of the car. He had it for 16 days.
It was raining, the car in front of him was turning, he hit the brakes, slid, pulled up emergency brake, kept sliding....and well, you see what happened. (The policeman did say that usually he would write up the ticket for reckless driving but it didn't appear that they were speeding or doing anything reckless. Mainly just inexperience, bad judgement and rainy weather).

The other car, a large SUV showed no damage except for a few paint flecks from JM's car.
JM's car will probably be considered totaled by the insurance company.

2 totaled cars in 2 months. (3 including that the other person's car was totaled last time also)

Our insurance before he was added--approx 1,000 to 1,200 a year.
Adding him-before accidents---approx $3,200 a year.
We haven't even seen the rise in the cost from the first accident yet. (sigh).

On the other hand, if the judge takes his license, maybe we can temporarily remove him from the policy...not to mention sleep a little better at night.

Last but definitely not least...MAJOR THANK YOU PRAYERS. AGAIN, NO INJURIES!!

16 comments:

Kelly said...

I'm thinking you should remove him from the insurance anyway. Consequences happen, and not driving for a while after totalling 3 cars (2 of his own) well, that is a consequence, not a punishment. A very valuable learning experience.

Here's a test...if your kid says "I hate you" after you implement a decision - that means it was the right decision. :D

See you tonight - let me know if you want me to pick you up.

Anonymous said...

Oh man. I'm sorry for ALL of you. I am still on my knees praying teenagers through. It's scary. Lots of faith-building exercise.

Our teens were always outraged at the "discrimination" applied by insurance companies and parents toward young drivers. Umm... it's called facts and statistics.

My sympathies all the way around.

My ADHD Me said...

The only way he can be removed from the insurance is if his liscence is revoked...which I am pretty sure it will be. Otherwise if he is a liscensed driver living in the house, he must be on the insurance.

You know, I was thinking about this the other day. neither of my kids have ever said they hate me or that they don't like me. OBVIOUSLY I'm not hard enough on them.

On the other hand, maybe I've raised them to be respectful towards me.

Nope, I was right the first time. Not hard enough.

yes, I would love to ride with you tonight. Will call you later.

Hey everybody, I know the
curiosity is driving you crazy! Where could they be going? What WILL they be doing? Is it exciting? Is it Fun? Is it wild and Crazy? Don't you wish you were going?

The answer is :
1. Out to dinner with family
2.Eating Pizza that isn't very good but our dad loves it.
3.Not really
4.Stressful
5.No
6.No...believe me.

Edie said...

My daughter has said "I hate you" and worse numerous times. I'm not sure that means I did anything right. Look CK can start a new topic within the comments section of someone elses topic and without even trying!

I am SO sorry this happened but SO glad there were no injuries. When my daughter was of driving age I asked about not putting her on my insurance because there was no way she would be driving my car. My insurance had me sign some sort of waiver (I forget what it was called) to exclude her from all insurance claims. Funny thing is that it was still on the policy until about last year. I wish it was still there so I could say she wasn't covered when she asks to take my truck. It's just much easier than the battle.

I'll go out to dinner with your family. I can sit right in between you and CK and we would have a great time! :P

No one would blackball you, you're too fun and funny. I might get blackballed though. I've started to answer your email but I have kids in the house and have been quite busy. Look for an email tonight.

My ADHD Me said...

I think girls yell "I hate you" more than boys. Boys are more into slamming doors or walking away.

P.S. Someone remind me to show CK her comment in about 6-7 years.

Edie- We'll meet you there at 6:30.

Kelly said...

We have a no door slamming policy - if you slam the door, it is removed from the frame and goes into the garage. As a mother, there is nothing more satisfying then having a child stop up the stairs, march loudly into their bedroom and then gently click the door shut. Cause they know what will happen if they don't. :P

Kelly said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
My ADHD Me said...

I repeat--Someone remind me to show CK her comments in about 6-7 years

My ADHD Me said...

P.S. We have a No saying "I Hate You" policy.

On Purpose said...

I too am thankful for no injuries! This sounds like a stressful and unfun situation...I just said a prayer for peace and wisdom for you!

Love to you my friend!

Karen Hossink said...

Well, thanks for waiting for me to read those other posts. You're so patient!
I know! You're able to be patient with me because of all this practice you're getting with young drivers...
Oh, my. Can I put a vote in for 25??? 16 is only 3 1/2 years away for us.

Heaven said...

This is what I have to look forward to in 3 1/2 years??? Oh my...I have a 12 AND 1/2 (He totally emphasizes that 1/2) year old son. Hmmm...maybe they'll raise the driving age by then...

I'll be saying prayers for you and your family.

The Patterson 5 said...

Glad your son is alright. Prayers for wisdom and peace in what ever decision you make in regards to insurance. May God continue to keep him safe.

HisPrincess said...

You are making me very nervous!

Very thankful that no one was hurt though.

Pam from alertandorientedx4 said...

I'm so glad he wasn't hurt. I have 3 1/2 teens myself, one fully licensed driver. Twice, we have sent him to this: http://www.driversedge.com/
TOTALLY free and an absolutely amazing program. Professional drivers take them out on a track and put them into real life skids and drifts and teach them how to steer out. I know they have some courses back east, NC? FL? Not sure if you all could get there but my son says it's saved him from accidents...way better than any driver's ed course he's ever taken. I want to take it myself, but they limit to age 21 and I just don't pass :-(. Check it out or email me and I'll get you more information....

(I did the door slam thing too--it works, but you have to start when they are young. Like Pavlov's dogs. My kids don't verbalize 'I hate you' but I have no doubt they feel that way...

My ADHD Me said...

Thank you! That sounds like a great program. I'm going to check it out now.
Even if we have to travel a bit to get there, if it could save his life or someone else's...way worth it.

I do think the judge will take his liscence for a while but his court date is in December, so we have time to show "good faith" to the judge if we start on something. Maybe it will help the insurance co relax too.

Of course right now he isn't driving anything. Nothing for him to drive. I'm back to taking him to work and picking him up afterwards....sigh

That gives me 2 choices if he can't get a ride with a friend.
A. Spend my time taking him and picking him up all over the place.
B. Having him here ALL the time arguing with his brother.

No Joy In Mudville.