Free Class On Teenage Driving Could Save A Life

Tue., March 10, 1998

Maisy Fernandez Correspondent

The most exciting experience in nearly any teen’s life is getting a driver’s license. It’s more than permission to drive — it means freedom, mobility and independence.

However, driving is a privilege and responsibility not to be taken lightly.

“So Your Teen is Driving …” is a free class available twice a semester to educate teens and their parents on the rules of the road. Topics include the dangers of speeding and drinking and driving, and emphasizes the importance of seat belts, bike safety and sharing the road.

In addition to informational displays and videos, teens participate in interactive demonstrations. But it’s the stories from accident survivors, drunken drivers and state highway troopers that really stick with people, said Executive Director Linda Thompson, whose son was killed in an accident. These are real people with real stories, and it lets teens know that it could happen to them.

“The class is a way to get parents and kids talking. It gives everyone the opportunity to watch and come together to talk about what they saw,” Thompson said.

Traditional driver’s education courses offer only eight hours of driving experience and depending on what time of year it is, teens may not get to experience changing weather conditions that affect the roads, Thompson said. After accidents, there are so many people who say, “Wow, I wish someone would have told me this beforehand,” she said.

And teens are responsible for their fair share of accidents on the road. Statistics from Spokane County and Citizens Against Alcohol-Related Accidents show that teens (19 and under) were involved in 1,270 accidents, 856 injuries and five fatalities in 1996.

At the end of class, teens and parents are asked to fill out an evaluation form. The course has received rave reviews.

“The program was wonderful and I was attentive through the whole presentation,” one mom wrote after she saw the program.

The classes are presented by The Greater Spokane Substance Abuse Council, CARTA, Spokane County Traffic Safety Commission, Prevention Youth Council and Washington Drug-Free Youth Spokane County DUI Victims Panel and the Spokane Community Mobilization Against Substance Abuse.

They need community help in the form of donations, volunteers and teens willing to speak on issues.

“So Your Teen is Driving…” will be presented from 6:30-8:30 p.m. March 24 at North Central High School, and from 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. April 20 at West Valley High School.

For more information, call 922-8383. , DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Color Photo

MEMO: Created in support of the Spokane County Health Improvement Partnership (HIP), Discoveries highlights people working to improve community health and well-being. If you have a discovery that deserves recognition, call 742-3660.

Created in support of the Spokane County Health Improvement Partnership (HIP), Discoveries highlights people working to improve community health and well-being. If you have a discovery that deserves recognition, call 742-3660.

Local journalism is essential.

Give directly to The Spokesman-Review's Northwest Passages community forums series -- which helps to offset the costs of several reporter and editor positions at the newspaper -- by using the easy options below. Gifts processed in this system are tax deductible.

Meet Our Journalists

Jesse Tinsley

Meet Jesse Tinsley. As a certified drone pilot, this veteran Spokesman-Review photographer often can be seen capturing beautiful aerial photographs of our region. Sometimes though, the job requires getting down with the dogs.
Jim Meehan

Jim Meehan is no stranger to Zag Nation. As the lead writer covering the Gonzaga men’s basketball team, he tells the stories behind the game and gets fans a bit closer to their favorite players.
Molly Quinn

There is no artist in Spokane like Molly Quinn. Her whimsical style is instantly recognizable to readers of The Spokesman-Review. She has painted gorgeous illustrations that instantly elevate the journalism accompanying it. She brings to life the stories that defy photography. She makes our pages better.
Rob Curley

Spokesman-Review editor Rob Curley loves to talk with people and learn about their lives, whether it's a best-selling author or a stranger he meets downtown on his walk to lunch. It's that inquisitive nature combined with a playful sense of storytelling that helps make our newspaper different than most.