On Feb. 13, 2006, I lost my 15-year-old son, Luke, in a horrible, preventable car crash. I share my personal story in the hope of saving other parents the unbearable pain of losing a child. I hope parents visit the website (driveithome.org) to learn how to protect their teen drivers.
Teens crash at three times the rate of more experienced drivers simply because teens are inexperienced behind the wheel. Drive it Home, a new initiative from the National Safety Council and The Allstate Foundation, explains how parents can coach their teen drivers through the most dangerous period of their young lives. Through videos, tips, message boards and links to research, parents learn about the leading causes of teen crashes and how to prevent them. The lessons are invaluable.
Educating parents about teen driving safety has been my mission ever since Luke passed away. In fact, I believe in educating others so much that I joined the HEARTS Network, another initiative of NSC and The Allstate Foundation that helps those impacted by teen crashes share their stories at the national level. I have to share what I've learned, and I want to use every outlet possible to do so.
Parents, be engaged throughout the learning process, from permit through the first year of licensure. Make driving with your teen for 30 minutes each week a priority. And please be vigilant about your teen driver's safety. Car crashes are the leading cause of death for teens in the U.S., and you play a critical role in reversing that trend. Become an advocate for your teen driver's safety. Visit driveithome.org to learn how.
Powder Springs, Ga.