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In the madness of lockdown, coming across something as bizarre as a five-year-old stealing the family Dodge Journey to set off and buy a Lamborghini, was an exciting read in a time when we're not yet allowed to drive around as we continue to stay home in a bid to stop the Covid-19 pandemic.
Not only did it make us all think of the first time we drove a vehicle - legally or not, but it got me thinking what I would do if my daughter had to take our car without permission when she is capable of driving. Judging by the way she pays attention to how her father and I operate a vehicle, we reckon she'll probably drive much sooner than the legal age anyway. But what would I do?
What would you do if your child 'borrowed' your car without permission? Or, what did your folks do when you did the same when you were younger? Please email us here and share your stories and photos of your first driving experience.
My natural response is to blow a gasket, be overcome with panic and fear, then wanting to ground her for life. But, I would probably be happy inside when she returns home safely - as long as she doesn't get hurt and obeyed the rules of the road - but I'd have to hide it as I ground her and make her do chores for an eternity. That's to say 'grounding' or taking away electronic devices would still be a reasonable act of discipline in a decade from now.
The United Kingdom and other countries have driving programmes for young children as they believe getting children behind the wheel from an early age could encourage good driving habits and better road behaviour. I share the same sentiments; hence I would want my daughter to drive from an early age.
I would want for her to earn independence behind the wheel. I know of so many women who are married for years and still can't drive themselves to work, or the mall when there's a car in the garage or driveway. Yes, there are ride-hailing services, but it's just not the same.
I think that the earlier young adults are exposed to practising good road behaviour, the better drives they would be, it also helps instil discipline, and hopefully reduce road rage or at least the skills to deal with it. My daughter is five years old too, just like the boy in Utah who wanted a Lamborghini. Although she's tall for her age, she still can't reach the pedals and see over the steering wheel at the same time. So, hopefully, I don't have to worry about anything like that for the next few years.
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Our top-read stories of the week include the Utah boy who stole his Mom's car and the follow-up article of the good Samaritan who went and made the boy's dreams true by giving him a ride in his Lamborghini Huracan. All of that in less than 24 hours after the story broke in the United States.
And of course, bakkies make their way into our top five list of the week with half-tonne options which lack severely in South Africa, and a mega bakkie from Isuzu to rival all bakkies.
If you're still being a good citizen and not driving anywhere other than essential trips, please don't forget to check your vehicle's fluid levels, tyre pressures and starting it up at least once a week. Stay safe and stay home. A special shout out once again to all essential workers on the frontline.
Here are this week's top five motoring stories:
1. WATCH | 5-year-old who stole mom's SUV to buy a supercar gets his dreams made
2. 5-year-old pulled over on US highway on his way to buy a Lamborghini
Image: USP
3. The bakkie to rival all bakkies: Isuzu fires warning-shot with its GO2 D-Max
Image: Isuzu
4. These three half-tonne double-cab bakkies could do exceptionally well in SA
Image: Quickpic
5. Lockdown restrictions will be lifted, here's what you should know when you're back on the road
