On Nov. 14, Dr. Gridlock carried a letter from Arturo E. Betancourt of Silver Spring, whose 16-year-old daughter was killed when a vehicle operated by another 16-year-old went out of control on a two-lane road.
Betancourt wrote: "The current requirements to obtain a license -- the number of hours of practice; the fact that a parent might not be providing the instruction; that driving schools do not adequately prepare students for emergent situations; and a driving test that does not reflect a proficiency in truly being able to drive an automobile -- these are just a few things that should be changed if we expect the number of teenage deaths to decrease.
"I ask your assistance in helping parents change the laws, and to become more aware of what their children are doing and how they are driving."
Dr. Gridlock advised parents to contact their state delegates and senators.
Here's more:
Dear Dr. Gridlock:
I am disheartened by the recent wave of teen accidents in the area, especially Maryland. What disturbs me more are all the mentions of various actions that political figures have attempted to take, only to be ignored.
But then again, is it only the state's responsibility to see that children understand how dangerous a vehicle can be?
I would like to challenge parents reading this today to the following:
• Raise your hand if you actually have had a sit-down meeting with your driving teen and discussed state laws, house laws and the consequences that go along with the laws.
• Raise your hand if you've had your teen drive you to a family outing or an errand so you can ride along and observe, rather than you assuming the driving responsibility.
• Raise your hand if you have discussed a passenger limit in the car for a determined period of time. Raise your hand if you enforce it, with no exceptions.
• Raise your hand if you have considered a teen-parent driving contract. It's a trust thing between you and your teen.
• Raise your hand if you periodically check the mileage on your teen's car: Are they driving more than you are aware?
• Raise your hand if you discuss accidents with your child or remind your child walking out the door to use blinkers, lights or seat belts. Not just sometimes, but every time they walk out the door. Are you a parent who follows your state law regarding curfew? If your child is a new driver in Virginia and has a curfew later than midnight, has the curfew been adjusted to comply with Virginia law?
Cheryle Arnold
Centreville
