www.roanoke.com

Obtaining a driver's license may be a pivotal point in a teenager's life; getting behind the wheel is the equivalent of freedom for some teens.

It is an important time for parents, too -- and worries may be on the rise. Before the keys are handed over, Roanoke County school officials are inviting parents and students going through the licensing process to attend a safe-driving presentation.

The presentation, "Partnering for the Privilege," is designed to bring together parents, students, high schools, law enforcement and community resources to increase awareness and knowledge related to teenage driving. The goal of the program is to reduce the number of car crashes and to save lives.

Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among American teenagers, claiming more than 5,000 young lives annually, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Youths who are new drivers are overrepresented in fatal crashes, which the administration attributes to immaturity and inexperience.

"With teen driving safety such an important issue these days, we are doing all we can to make sure our teens learn how to drive safely and responsibly," schools spokesman Chuck Lionberger said.

Each 90-minute meeting will cover the real risks for teen drivers, an overview of the driver education program, teen traffic laws and graduated licensing restrictions, insuring teen drivers and dealing with a teen crash from a parent's perspective.

The following presentations have been scheduled:

n 7 p.m. Thursday in the cafeteria of Cave Spring High School, 3712 Chaparral Drive.

n 7 p.m. Tuesday in the forum of Hidden Valley High School, 5000 Titan Trail.

n 7 p.m. Feb. 18 in the library of William Byrd High School, 2902 Washington Ave., Vinton.

n 7 p.m. Feb. 22 in the auditorium of Northside High School, 6758 Northside High School Road.

"If the meeting at your child's school is not convenient or timely, you are encouraged to attend a meeting at any other site," said Barry Trent, the school system's coordinator for health, physical education and driver education.

The school division joined forces with the county's police department, Allstate Insurance and the nonprofit organization Youth of Virginia Speak Out About Traffic Safety to put on the "Partnering for the Privilege" programs.