Reports about fatal vehicle collisions involving teen drivers continue to be in the news. What can we do to ensure that young motorists are prepared to travel our roads, while protecting themselves and others?
We cannot force young teen drivers to be safe and responsible. So many want to speed or drink, and a few get high. And they know it all. We can educate in schools, which we do. We can show them the results from horrific collisions. We can fine them, ticket them and take away their licenses. But, at the end of it all, they must make the decision to be a safe driver and follow all the rules of the road. It is in their hands and minds. And we can only pray they realize they are behind the wheel of a dangerous vehicle. — Denise Bella
Pay attention and stop texting. — Delmarva German Shepherd Dog Club
Why not present some facts? Have a state trooper bring pictures and videos of collisions and the results of them. Make them as graphic as possible. An example that I believe was in California: An officer stopped a young man driving a sports car. The cop, not wanting to ticket the kid, let him go. About 10 minutes later, he got a call describing a fatal accident. The kid was going about 100 mph when he ran into the back of a semitruck, decapitating himself and his girlfriend. The picture I saw showed the girlfriend still holding her phone. Lastly, when they’re this young, be tough on them, including license suspensions, bigger fines and making them take driver’s ed again, at their expense. The thing is, we have too many sympathetic judges. — Rick Kerchevall
Get better driver’s education teachers. — Sandy Johnson
Do what I did in driver’s ed. Don’t just hand them driver’s licenses like it has been for the past 10 years, and maybe have teen driving days, during which you can see the results of speeding, DUI and other things. — Kyle Hendrix
Perhaps revisit the driver’s ed classes and testing in schools! I was shocked when I heard how it works from my kids. There should be more time to learn defensive driving! — Tiffany Michelle
I’ve recently seen several young driving fatalities, and none were wearing seat belts. — Peter Giaquinto
Put wrecks back in front of schools as reminders. — Charles A. Cunningham IV
You can’t. If their parents haven’t taught them any sense by the time they drive, it’s too late. Put away the phone! — Bob Hice
