What local parents had to say on their own teenage drivers

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Preparing a teenager for the driver's seat
July 29, 2013

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Monday, July 29, 2013

A sampling of what some parents told us on Facebook about their own teenage drivers. To read more comments or add your own, go online to www.facebook.com/roanoketimes.

We allowed our girls to get their learner’s permit at the appropriate age but they had to keep it for two years before they took driver’s education. We really felt they needed more experience and to grow in maturity before taking on such a huge responsibility. We also required that they have jobs to earn gas money and to save for a car.

— Candy Long

I’ve got one taking behind the wheel right now! I was discussing with a friend yesterday how we commend Judge [Philip] Trompeter. He has made it his mission in life to keep our children safe behind the wheel with stringent consequences. Parents need to follow his lead at home as well!

— Lorie Hage Bowling

The late Chip Woodrum told me shortly after my son was born that the worst times for parents were those first few months, and then when they turn 16.

— Mason Jeremy Adams

My daughter is 18 and refuses to get hers. She is terrified of other drivers. We have had her out driving, and cars tend to follow too close and pass in areas not designated. Not to mention blowing the horn because she is going the speed limit. She isn’t ready and I’m not going to push it.

— Billie Cress

My worry is her getting into an accident. And she did. Calling me in tears, all she would say is “I’m sorry, Mom, I’m so sorry.” I laugh about it now, but when I heard those words my heart sank. ... Now she is so much more cautious, even if drivers get annoyed. I do however keep tabs on her when she’s out. I do not call because I do not want any distractions.

— Jennifer Crawford

My son just got his license last week! What scared me the most when riding with him over the weekend was the plethora of available technology in the car that distracted him! GPS, radio, satellite, etc.

— Amy Shirley Glover

My son just wrecked this morning, so this hit close to home! He put off his license for a while ( I was happy — I’m a worrier). Boys tend to take a lot of risks. But thank goodness he’s OK today. Bumps and bruises.

— Tabatha Ann Lawson

My daughter was eager to learn to drive until she took Driver’s Ed at Hidden Valley [High School]. That class scared her so badly that she won’t even get her learner’s permit (she’s now 16). I’m a little surprised she still rides in the car. I worried about teaching her to drive and letting her drive herself places; now I worry that she will never learn to drive.

— Catherine Carter

My son just turned 16 last week [and] will get his license October 17. Word of warning to get off the roads, everybody. Just kidding! ... All we can do is hope [and] pray that we have prepared him for this time in his life. Scary!

— Elisa Levy Harris

Monday, August 12, 2013