Hanafin: think before buying teenagers a car

EDUCATION Minister Mary Hanafin last night called on parents to show greater responsibility when buying their teenage children cars as a way of combating Ireland’s spiralling road death toll.

The minister said she had a “big problem” with the growing trend for youngsters being given a car on their 17th birthday.

Resisting calls from some safety campaigners to teach practical driving skills in schools, she said students could not be expected to learn everything they need in life in the classroom.