In many European countries, including England and France, everyone with a permit is legally required to use a student driver sign on the back of a new drivers vehicle, such as the "L" for learner. This warns others that the driver is less experienced and may therefore drive slower or stop abruptly. Below is a story written by Anna's grandmother who experienced the benefits of having an "L" on the back of her car while driving through the British countryside.
"Some years ago while on a business
trip to the UK, I had a free weekend to do some sightseeing. I was
staying out in the country and needed to rent a car to see the sights. I
was quite nervous about driving on the "wrong side" of the
road. My car was available at a small gas station-rental
agency. A British gentleman who worked for the same
company as I did, accompanied me to pick up the car. I expressed my
concerns to the owner of the agency and after hesitating a minute, he said
"would you like me to put an " L" on the
vehicle? I had no idea what he was talking about but my friend started
laughing and said he didn't think I would. I asked what it meant and I
was told all individuals who were learning to drive and were still on permits
had to have an "L" on the car. This alerted other drivers to be
aware that the driver might do something "unexpected". When I
heard this, I said "yes, please do". My friend was incredulous, but I
decided a little embarrassment was better than a car accident in the British
countryside.
PS: I did just fine, perhaps because
everyone steered clear, literally and figuratively."
Christine Wardlow
Sweet Briar College Class of '63
What a wonderful story!! I too have driven in Europe and found comfort in having the "A" on the back of my car, in France that stands for apprentice. On the flip side, seeing the "A" in front of me when driving prompted me to "avoid" getting too close.....A simple message.
ReplyDeleteSo I just got this magnet last week, and it's awesome--nobody else really sells these here in the States. My younger brother is just about to get his license and the magnet will be that extra "oomf" to help him out on the road. Let's be honest, it is frustrating when the driver ahead of you changes lanes much too slowly or seems to be slowing down at all the wrong times. But with a magnet like this on a car, there's a sense of lax and understanding you have towards the vehicle in front of you. Something that will definitely help my younger brother on the road.
ReplyDelete