AJC > Sandy Springs > Blog > Archives > 2005 > October > 10 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USDear daughter, As you start to drive…
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Dear Amelia:
Later this month you will be getting your driver’s license, so I wanted to share some thoughts with you. Sorry for doing it publicly, but there may come a time when I need witnesses that I actually mentioned some of these things.
If it helps, this is also meant for your friends who are getting their licenses. And those that already have them. And those yet to get a learner’s permit. OK. This is aimed at pretty much every person in middle school or high school in Sandy Springs.
And your brother got this same lecture two years ago.
First, I’m going to be gruff dad. I have been to Washington, D.C., and read an original copy of the Bill of Rights. Teen driving was not listed. Having your license is a privilege. Getting access to a car is a privilege. We parents grant those things and we can take them away. And we get to decide what’s fair.
You have a mobile phone. When you get into the car to drive, turn it off. And put it in your purse. And put your purse in the back seat out of reach. If you feel you just have to make or receive a call, pull over, park and turn the engine off. Then reach for the phone.
Until you get many miles under your belt (100,000 is a good start), no eating or drinking while driving. No messing with makeup or hair. No eyeballing cute boys.
Please keep the radio turned off the first few months you are out there by yourself. It’s a distraction. This applies to cassettes, CDs, MP3 players, etc. You have a lovely voice. Sing.
You may have noticed your mom and I do not always allow what other parents let their offspring get away with. That will not change. We might become stricter.
There are laws about what beginning drivers can and can’t do. It is your job to know them. Especially the ones governing the number of passengers and the hours you can be behind the wheel. Your mom and I may also be stricter here, as well.
I know I do not always use my turn signal. Or obey posted speed limits. I know sometimes my language - especially on Roswell Road of 285 during rush hour - is inappropriate. Do as I say, not as I do. Help me to be the driver I ask you to be.
By the way, keep your middle finger wrapped around the steering wheel. It changes nothing. I know this from experience.
No speeding.
If you want these rules relaxed, do five simple things:
Get and keep a job.
Buy your own car.
Make all payments.
Pay all insurance fees.
Pay for all fuel and repairs.
Then you get a vote. Sorry.
Do you know how to check the air pressure in the tires? The oil? The power steering fluid? The transmission fluid? How to operate the jack and change a tire? If not, ask me.
You have probably rolled your eyes a dozen times while reading this, but I have a very selfish reason for being such a curmudgeon. You came into my life 11 years ago when I started dating your mother. I considered myself very lucky four years later when I married your mom, because I got a beautiful daughter that day as well.
As you know, several kids around Sandy Springs have died in the past few years in automobile accidents. Kids your age sometimes think they will live forever. Not all of you will. Kids your age still have some maturing to do in terms of good sense. Some never get the chance. You and your peers need to remember this:
There is nothing like the pain in the eyes of a parent who has lost a child, and no sound as anguished as their cries. I have stood at gravesides with parents, at the funerals of their children, and held them. Their grief is so deep I have felt it in my own heart. If you think the earth and sky are limitless in capacity, let me assure neither can begin to contain that amount of hurt.
When a child dies, they take some of the parent with them. I pray no parent ever has to feel that loss. I pray this most of all for your mom and me.
So if only for our sake, please be careful. OK?
I love you so much….
Dad
Comments
Commenting is now closed for this entry.
By LANE LOYD PARTIN
October 10, 2005 11:48 AM | Link to this
I loved your article about driver’s licenses and children. My sentiments exactly… I too have gone through this twice, and with one more in about 5 years. I found myself looking at past articles written by you. Is this the same Jim Osterman that was in Masquers at Georgia Southern back in the early 70’s? You are a long lost old friend?.Lane Loyd Partin-Class of 76
By Woodie
October 10, 2005 12:06 PM | Link to this
Another thing to mention. When you are behind the wheel and in motion, you are a big TARGET for every bad driver in Atlanta. Your life is in danger ever minute of the drive. Have no false sense of security. Only drive when absolutely necessary. Keep safety in mind always. Dad won’t be there to save you when you mix it up with the stupids driving around you.
By Gail
October 10, 2005 12:16 PM | Link to this
I lost my 15 yr old son due to a dirt bike accident Sep. 6th of this year. This is the worst pain I have ever felt. To all of the teen agers,life is too short to be careless. Obey the rules and do as your parents ask.The only reason parents have rules for you to obey is because they love you.I do not wish this pain on anyone.
By Debbie
October 10, 2005 03:48 PM | Link to this
I am the mother of a 14 year old young man that has been eagerly awaiting the day that he can get behind the wheel literally since he was around 3 years old. We have had many, many discussions on safe driving, limitations, laws, teen driving deaths, hazardous conditions, etc. His father and I take every opportunity to have a discussion that we are given. We have covered every possibly scenario imaginable and even those we we force ourselves to discuss that uninmaginable. And yet, I fear D-day (driving day) with great trepidation. Far worse than the first day of kindergarten (turning my baby over to near strangers for 7 whole hours! Will he eat, what if skins his knee - will they clean it?) Far worse than the first emergency room visit (we went for a fat lip and left with a cast on our arm - we felt so horrible that we didn’t realize that arm was broke) Far worse than the first day of High School (I no longer had a baby)….and I have only recently realized that my trepedation is not fueled by the fear that I will properly prepare my child to survive driving, it is fueled by the knowledge that I cannot prepare every other driver on the road so that he can survive driving. So when that day comes next June, he will be prepared and I will pray! I haven’t even thought about graduation yet!
By Becca
October 10, 2005 04:13 PM | Link to this
Driver’s Ed helps alot. Teens will be teens and I sincerely hope they will all read and follow this advice. The road is dangerous not just for young ones but for everyone. DRIVERS ED!!!
By Jim Osterman
October 10, 2005 04:14 PM | Link to this
Dear Lane:
Yes ma’am. You and I shared many hours on the stage in of McCroan Auditorium at Georgia Southern. The old theatre building still stands, but they finally built a performing arts center.
By jakesdad
October 10, 2005 04:51 PM | Link to this
pay close attention in you physics and chemistry classes becase before to take that so-called “test” to get a permit you will have to pass MY test which will cover such uncool things as basic mechanics (in the newtonian sense, not the pep boys one) , basic thermodynamics of chemical reactions (how much heat is released by burning n mL of gasoline) and any other relavant math/science I can think of. don’t if anyone else saw this but yrs ago there was an episode of “Major Dad” where he made the oldest girl listen to his lecture on how an interal cumbustion engine works, how the transmission transfers power to the differential(s), tires, etc. hillarious! my two will be getting this and more…
By Alisa
October 10, 2005 05:19 PM | Link to this
Thank you for such a wonderful, well written letter! I read it to my children ages: 17, 13, and 11. I am also printing it for future reference. I hope your daughter listens to you as well as the many teens who might see your letter!
By brian
October 10, 2005 08:54 PM | Link to this
I am a 14 year old teenager wanting to dirve, and i never realised how much work it will be. Well olny 478 days left. wias me luck
By Barbara
October 11, 2005 02:53 AM | Link to this
How sad, so few comments on such an important topic. Perhaps it’s because of the holiday. I too dread this day as it fast approaches. There is only so much you can do and say, only so much teaching, only so much ranting and raving. Then the day comes when you have to let them back out of the driveway and drive down the street and disappear around the corner, as you age three years for each minute. You’ll lie to yourself about how it’s only around the corner, or how the traffic isn’t that bad in that area at that time of day, and how you’re not really that worried about it. And then you’ll wonder why it takes more than five minutes to go to the grocery store, and why isn’t he/she back? You may walk outside and listen for sirens or turn on the radio for traffic reports. And all that will seem senseless and ridiculous when they get back home. However, like you mentioned, imagine the feeling, the pain, the horror, when it turns out all those feelings of dread turned out to be valid and true. I cannot fathom the depths of the loss and I do not want to know it. I only wish there were some way to convey this to ALL the kids beginning to drive but I’m afraid that at that age, it falls on deaf ears in most cases.
By JG
October 11, 2005 08:43 AM | Link to this
I absolutely love, do you hear me, I love this comment!!!!!!!!! Perfect for all parents. This should be displayed as LAW for all teen drivers. I feel such a sense of relief because I feel every thought and opinion displayed by the Dad! Thank you, thank you and thank you!
By Kathy
October 11, 2005 10:13 AM | Link to this
I attended the funeral on Monday, Oct. 10, 2005 of my 20 year old niece. She was killed in traffic accident. Car hydroplaned in wet weather. Please drive SLOW in wet weather would be my only addition!!!!!! I am printing this article for my children in their 20s. We all need reminders to slow down and drive more carefully. Thank you.
By jessicasmom
October 11, 2005 11:01 AM | Link to this
This letter to your daughter is definitely hitting home for me. My youngest child took her learner’s test on 10/4 and much to my chagrin, passed it! She has been driving every chance she can talk me into it and I must say, doing quite well. She is the last “learner” (number 5 of our 5 kids) and you would think I would be used to it by now. She will, however, have to complete driver’s ed before she gets her license next year. Parents — it is definitely worth the $200 or so for this peace of mind.
I am sending a copy of your letter to my daughter via e-mail (she will read it sooner that way instead of leaving it in her room!).
Thank you for putting the words of so many of us parents into such a remarkable letter. Perhaps the GDOT should add this to the driver’s manual and put questions referring to it in the test?
By Sally
October 11, 2005 11:51 AM | Link to this
What a wonderful expression of love for one’s child. I have modified it for my son and plan to give it to him when he turns 16. Thank you very much for this letter.
By Micah
October 11, 2005 12:48 PM | Link to this
Excellent. And an additional note for anyone else reading this. Do you have any idea how hard it is to teach a teen to obey the speed limit when it seems that nobody else does. Both of my daughters would watch cars streak by(freeway, highway, blind curves, etc.)and then look at me as if to say “Why not me …” to which I would answer: Because its the law Because hitting anything at 55 is safer than 80. Because it’s fuel efficient. Because you have better control at slower speeds. Because you can enjoy the scenery. Because you and that idiot are now sitting behind the same red light. Because you only gain 13 minutes of shopping time at the mall. And last but surely not least, ‘cause I said so.
By Marcia
October 11, 2005 01:39 PM | Link to this
I had the privilege of raising three wonderful children and I too had to go through all of those “stages” where they get the permit, actual license, got their first car and went out to drive on their own. However, I went further than most parents did, as I did not allow them to get their learner’s permit until they were 16 and their drivers license until they were 17. They also had to have a job and be able to pay for the additional insurance of adding them onto the policy. They were not too keen on this, but it drove home the fact that driving was a privilege and not a God given right.
Now they all are in their 20’s and I still caution them to drive carefully, safely and defensively.
Last Friday, my first grandchild (daughter) was born and although I will not be the one going through those motions and emotions again, I will be passing your letter on to my daughter-in-law so that she too can pass it to her daughter.
Such all encompassing love is difficult for teenagers to comprehend but someday when they have children of their own they too will understand. Thanks for putting into words what so many parents feel.
By Annica Anthony
October 11, 2005 03:22 PM | Link to this
Mr. Osterman,
I feel that your article to your daughter was an excellent way to get an important point across to her as well as all new drivers. Being a teenager and witnessing the deaths of my fellow classmates because of reckless driving is something that I will never forget and hope that no one else will ever have to experience. I challenge more parents to be concerned about their children’s driving habits then maybe will have fewer funerals because of automobile accidents. The only issue that I have about this article is that I feel that parents should be role models for their kids and set good examples. Teenagers, me included, usually mock what we see our parents doing. If we see our parents speeding, cursing, and talking on the phone while driving we feel it is fine to do the same. I encourage you to do more articles similar to this one. It is a good way to get the attention of teenagers and to others it really matter to.
By Amy
October 11, 2005 05:25 PM | Link to this
WOW! AJC is my homepage and this was the first thing I clicked on upon getting home from teaching. My daughter will be 15 soon, and I am so fearful for her as Henry County lost a wonderful young lady early this school year in a traffic fatality. I, like other readers, am printing this to give to my child when the time is right. It is time we parents returned to our roll as PARENTS and instill responsibility and rules in our children. It could save their lives. Thank you!
By Maria
October 11, 2005 05:57 PM | Link to this
Thanks, Jim, for putting into just the right words what I want and need to tell my 15-year-old daughter, who recently got her learner’s license. Some of this I have already said — and I pray that she heard — but advice is sometimes more valuable coming from someone other than a teenager’s own parents. May your daughter, your son, and ALL our children be safe on the roads. And may they keep their middle fingers to themselves.
By Ron
October 11, 2005 06:10 PM | Link to this
For the most part, an excellent article, Mr. Osterman!
I strongly disagree with your “do as I say, not as I do statement.� Kids, whether they are 3 or 16, learn their habits from their parents’ habits. They are much more apt to do what you do, than do what you say. They learn to drive by watching you drive. They wear their seatbelts, if you wear your seatbelt. They are courteous to other drivers, if you are courteous to other drivers. They learn by watching you and what you do is what teaches them.
I believe that people learning to drive need to follow 3 basic rules. It is only 3 rules because asking them to remember all 50 road signs on the drivers test is a bit much to keep in their heads at one time. Too many rules, confuse teenagers.
Rule #1.) Always wear a seatbelt! By the time a 16 year old is ready for a drivers license, they should be conditioned from an early age to always wear a seatbelt, whether as a driver or a passenger. Wearing a seatbelt should be a conditioned response for them, and not a conscience afterthought every time they get into a vehicle. They should feel naked if they get in a vehicle without putting their seatbelt on. They wouldn’t go to school not wearing any clothes, and they shouldn’t get in a vehicle without wearing a seatbelt.
Rule #2.) Never drive faster than the road conditions allow! Speed limits are the rules meant for dry and highly visible road conditions. A posted speed limit of 45 mph doesn’t mean you should drive 45 mph when the road conditions are wet or there is a dense fog in the air. Teenagers need to grasp this rule!
Rule #3.) Never drive while impaired!! This rule is probably most difficult for new drivers (as well as many experienced drivers) to fully understand. “Impaired� means anything that will distract you from focusing on driving. It means driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, whether legal drugs or prescription drugs. It means talking on a cell phone, applying makeup or eating a meal while driving. It means changing radio stations, CDs, or your ipod music while moving in traffic. Anything that takes your focus off of driving the vehicle is impairing you. If you are a new and inexperienced driver, that includes passengers.
Kids think they can’t be killed in a car accident and changing that perception is next to impossible. I am thinking the only way to get through to them is to get them to understand what it will do to them, if their best friend were to die in a car accident. How would they feel? My 18-year-old daughter lost her best friend in a car accident this past June and a day doesn’t go by when she doesn’t hurt. If the same thing were to happen to her, she knows the pain that she would be putting all those who love her through. To the kids that may read this, look at your best friend and think about the pain you will go through if something happens to your friend. Then think about the pain you will put them through, if something happens to you.
By Annette
October 11, 2005 10:47 PM | Link to this
Thank you for this eloquent and yet very ‘real’ letter. It will be on the refrigerator for my daughter to read every morning before she drives to school.
By randy
October 12, 2005 09:08 AM | Link to this
Great advice for anybody starting to drive. My daughter, 17, totalled her care 6 weeks ago with 4 other girls in the car. The only reason they are alive today is because they all had on seat belts. I think you failed to remind your daughter to never drive without a seat belt on and to remind all of your passengers the car will not move until everyone is buckled up! I got a hug and a kiss this morning before work, thanks to seatbelts.
By Jim Osterman
October 12, 2005 09:38 AM | Link to this
Ron:
I agree — our kids do learn from us.
However, I never realized how many lazy driving habits I had gotten into until I started teaching Zach (now 18) and Amelia to drive.
Which is why I want them to know that just because dad doesn’t always do it 100% correctly THEY do not get a pass.
It’s not about me being a perfect driver, it’s about keeping them alive and safe.
By Dan & Betty Bryl
October 12, 2005 11:11 AM | Link to this
Thanks for sharing your words of advise to your daughter. Stressing the importance of avoiding distractions is so important. A man dialing a cell phone took our daughters life. Jessica’s story is at: http://www.homestead.com/jessicalyn2000/index.html God Bless you and yours and keep them safe.
By Tami
October 12, 2005 11:21 AM | Link to this
Great column, Jim! Christina has her appointment for her license on October 19. I will make sure she sees this! Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers!!
By felecia
October 12, 2005 11:21 AM | Link to this
You are an awesome dad!!! Thanks for your inspirational letter to your daughter “by choice”. We can never be perfect parents and our kids will stray from what we teach them sometimes, but don’t stop guiding and lifting your daughter up and by all means don’t forget to pray for her daily!!!!
By Lisa
October 12, 2005 11:59 AM | Link to this
I soooo needed the words to give to my son who will be driving within the next month. I am going to change a few things to reflect my son as if I wrote this the myself to him. I thank you for your thoughts. Lisa Strong Acworth, GA
By Cori
October 12, 2005 06:01 PM | Link to this
wow! such a moving letter!
as i wipe away the tears, i am reminded of when i got my license (and first car) 16 years ago. my father followed me to school for a month before i was allowed to drive “by myself”, and after that i was only allowed to drive to school or school functions for a year.
at the time, i was so embarassed, i though i might just die! “dad, i just about died when john saw you follow me into the school parking lot!” or “dad, it’s just to the mall—not even five minutes away! this is absolutely RIDICULOUS!” only now do i wish he could’ve followed me everywhere forever!
thank you for this brave display of emotion. i do not have children, yet, but i hope to remember every line of your letter to pass on to any children i may have in the future.
By Sandra
October 13, 2005 11:41 AM | Link to this
Dad..I think what you wrote was wonderful. You have a very lucky family that cares so much as to do what you did. My name is Sandra and I teach Defensive Driving on the South side of Atlanta. I myself have seen and heard of all the things happening to these YOUNG drivers. I wish all parents had your rules and prospective for their kids lives!! I beleave everyone even yourself should take a Defensive Driving course every 3 years to keep updated on laws that change and on how to drive with everyone on the roads today! It just may save your live and all that is reading this! You can take a course really cheep $45.00 for an insurance reduction, and it’s good for 3 years. I hope that everyone that reads your artical does the same to their kids because your right they have there whole life to live and driving shouldn’t be a cause of death of someone so young! I have seen parents that have lost their young one’s and it has devestated there live forever. Keep safe and prey I do it everyday. Keep up the good work Mom and Dad. Sencerely Sandra
By Dlm
October 13, 2005 12:57 PM | Link to this
That is awesome! Brought tears to my eyes after all the accidents that have happened around metro Atlanta taking the lives of young people! A great positive message regarding the love for your daughter! Thank you for sharing that with all of us! I am printing this for future reference! Mine is 12!!
By Gala
October 13, 2005 01:00 PM | Link to this
This was a passionate love letter to a child from a loving parent. It was absolutely beautiful. I will make a version of this letter for my teenaged daughers aged 17 & 15 who are anxious to drive. I live in Cobb County, so I know the anxiety of having a child of yours drive on these Georgia roads. May God be will all teenagers who get behind any car wheel to drive.
By Trai's Mom
October 13, 2005 02:01 PM | Link to this
Thanks for such a great column. I’ve forwarded it to all my friends with children and even some without. As I wiped away the tears I saved it for my son to read in 4 years when he will be 15 asking for a permit. That seems so far away until I realize that it seems like it was only yesterday that he was 4 years old. I hope your daughter can feel all of the love you have for her just as we all can see it. God Bless you and yours.
By LZ
October 13, 2005 02:07 PM | Link to this
My brother in law was killed in an auto accident a couple of years ago at the age of 21. I will never as long as I live be able to get the primal sound of his mother’s cry out of my head. A part of me thinks I would be fine driving my children around forever, but I know that I will have to let them go sometime. I have 3 kids under the age of eleven, and maybe they will raise the driving age when the time comes for mine to learn to drive. I never want to know that pain of losing a child in such a senseless way. In the mean time I too will print and save this beautiful letter for my children. Thank you so much for sharing your loving words to your daughter.
By Steve
October 13, 2005 06:53 PM | Link to this
A website devoted to teen driver safety: Paramedics Against Irresponsible Driving
By Tom
October 14, 2005 06:41 AM | Link to this
Send her to the Xtreme Measures driving academy first. It takes one weekend and it could save her life. It has really helped my son who is 19 now without an incident (knock on wood) www.xtrememeasures.org The next class is Nov 19 & 20 and yes you have to go sit in a lawn chair and watch all weekend.
By barbara
October 15, 2005 10:36 AM | Link to this
When my son turned fifteen I gave him a copy of the Georgia Driving handbook. I told him to study it and let me know when he felt he was ready to apply for a learners permit and take some lessons. He was nearly sixteen before he decided the time was ‘right’ for him. He is now 18 and driving on his own. He appears to be careful and mindful of others on the road. I still worry about him though. On several occasssions he has thanked me for not assuming that he would be ready at 15. We also told him that if he got a ticket or was in an accident that was his fault then his access to our car would be withdrawn until he was 18. I sometimes think we may have appeared hard to him, but we truly wanted him to realise what driving meant and how it was not a right, but a privilege at that age. Maybe others can learn from this.
By Jeff
October 15, 2005 10:37 AM | Link to this
Wonderful, letter, Jim! Wish every teen preparing to get behind the wheel could read… As a trucker, there’s only a couple of things I’d like to add; First, please take your time behind the wheel. I’ve seen the drivers who constantly change lanes and speed. I meet many of them at the bottom of the off ramp or next traffic light; that’s a whole lot of danger and stress just to save a minute or two. Also, watch that following distance. If the line of vehicles in front of you comes to a quick stop, you’ll have plenty of room to stop safely.
And probably the subject closest to my heart; sharing the road with big trucks and busses. We’re big, slow and in your way. Please understand the limitations we face such as blind spots. And PUH-leeze don’t abruptly pass us (especially on the right side) or try to “beat us to the orange barrels” It takes us about a football field’s length to stop a truck from 60 mph. Please give us the space to stop safely and protect us all.
Many thanks, Jim. And best of luck to Amelia and all the other teen drivers taking to our roadways.
By Mary
October 15, 2005 04:29 PM | Link to this
WOW. Let’s start off by saying that no one needs to be driving before the age of 18. How many 16 years olds have to die or live with life altering head injuries for the parents in this state to wake up? This is not something new. My son was in a near fatal car accident when he was 16 - 21 days shy of his 17th birthday. The driver who hit him? Another 16 year old who couldn’t wait for the car in front of him to turn so he decided to use the turn lane as a passing lane. Only problem, my son was in turn lane slowing to make a left hand turn. Oh yes, and there were open cans of beer in his car. I’m sure this kid promised his parents he would be responsible too. Here we are almost 20 years later and my son is stuck forever at 17 as far as maturity and learning abilty go. Parents out there - get a backbone and don’t let your kids get their licenses at 16. What you don’t know is that this will affect YOU for life. My son is as carefree as any teenager - only he is 35 years old. He lives for today. As far as he is concerned everything is rosy - his only care in the world is if the Falcons win their next game. Me? I still choke up whenever I think about the life he might have had and worry about what happens to him when I am gone.
By T-Bone
October 16, 2005 02:24 AM | Link to this
This has been up way too long…
By Shannon Wiggins
October 16, 2005 10:45 AM | Link to this
What a great letter…
In the evening of December 31, 2004, I was involved in a car accident where a 19 year old boy lost his life. According to the police report, speed and alcohol were involved. He took a curve too fast, swiped my van, over adjusted, flipped several times and was ejected from the car. Some Good Samaritans helped me find him, barely breathing, in the field nearby - he died before paramedics arrived.
I remember asking the police officer who would be the one to tell the family, and he said he would. I asked him to tell them how sorry I was. The officer said “It wasn’t your fault - there wasn’t anything you could have done.” My reply - “That’s not the point - I have a daughter at home that is his age and I can’t imagine going through this.”
I struggled with telling my own 2 daughters - fearing they would be more concerned for my safety every time I went out, but decided that this message was “close to home” for a reason - I wanted them to know that things like this can happen to anyone - we don’t just see this in the movies or hear about it on TV -
Thank you for your letter, expressing a parents worries and concerns….I will share it with my 2 teenage daughters (still waiting to get their licenses).
I ofen pray for the young boy who died on December 31, 2004, and I ache for his family as the one year anniversary approaches.
May God watch over all our young drivers….
By Michele
October 17, 2005 08:28 AM | Link to this
Wonderful letter. I have a 17 year old son, who has yet to get his license. He is an A-B student, respectful, kind, trustworthy, etc. But I just really have issues with turning him over a set of keys at this point. I remind him daily that the most dangerous weapon in the world isn’t a machine gun, bomb, etc. IT IS A TEENAGER BEHIND THE WHEEL OF A VEHICLE. He don’t understand why I’m not quite ready for him to drive alone, but one day when he has children of his own he will.
By Kathie
October 17, 2005 09:23 AM | Link to this
As a mother of a 17 year old new driver, I loved your article. Every second my daughter drives away from our house I am filled with worry and anxiety, even though she is a good driver. Driver’s Ed really helped her learn the seriousness of driving, being safe and how one slip can kill! We plan to take a defensive driving course together. There is another program called Parents Deserve a Brake too. She rolls her eyes everytime I remind her to be careful, always buckle up, no using the phone while driving, and the 50 other rules I throw at her. I know she will appreciate this more as she gets older. I don’t care who hears me and how stupid she thinks I sound. Driving is an earned privelege and should be taken very seriously. Kids and parents need to be reminded they are responsible for their own lives, and the lives of others each time they get into a car to drive. Kathie Dacula, GA