Mike Williams / L’Observateur / November 29, 2000

One of the high anxiety times in life for most parents is the time their teens begin to drive on their own. Some things should be repeated several timesthroughout the learning process and again as your teen begins to solo.

All drivers have the same responsibilities to drive safely, defensively and wisely.

Driving is not playing, and a car is not a toy. It is critical that every driverrealizes the serious responsibility that comes with operating a vehicle. Livesare at stake.

The leading cause of teen deaths and injuries is the auto accident, especially when drugs or alcohol are involved.

Every minute a teen driver is involved in a vehicle accident. One-fourth of allfatally injured teens were found to have a blood alcohol level greater than .10percent.

Insurance for teens is more expensive that other drivers because teens are involved in more accidents and accidents involving teens are frequently more costly and severe.

The key causes for many teen accidents are driving too fast, inexperience and poor judgement and alcohol or drugs.

Tell your teenager to: Keep a responsible presence of mind.

Keep their eyes on the road.

Drive within the speed limits and road conditions.

Don’t follow vehicles too closely. Tailgating is the leading cause ofaccidents.

Wear seat belts. It’s the law, and it is a proven fact that seat belts reduceinjuries and fatalities.

The teen years are a great time. Let us educate our teen to enjoy themresponsibly.

MIKE WILLIAMS, who writes this column every Wednesday for L’Observateur, is a local agent with State Farm Insurance.

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