Posted by CedarPosts on May 14, 2008 at 5:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Jeeezzzz!

Posted by Slick50 on May 14, 2008 at 5:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)

"South Carolina is in the top three worst states in the country for driving, and they have some of the worst laws in dealing with teen driving," said Tom Crosby, vice president for communications at AAA Carolinas. "This is the state that would not even pass a law to prevent teens from texting while driving."

Nuff said.

Posted by MomOfTwo on May 14, 2008 at 6:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)

How tragic. My sympathies to the family.

Regarding the whole driving issue. The senator is correct: more training before cutting them loose. Parents! That's YOUR job. State law says permits at 15. Not in my house. My law reigns. Permits at 16 if grades are above Bs, then no license for ONE YEAR minimum. My law: no highway driving until minumum six months around residential streets. My law: no license until each child has a job and can afford their own insurance payments.

My youngest is now 18 and guess what? Has no license! Didn't get a permit until 17, grades not up to par, so no license. I drive my youngest around. Why? Because from the day they were born they were MY responsibility until at least age 18. Too many parents can't wait for their kids to get their licenses so the parents don't have to be bothered/inconvenienced driving the kids around, or so 15 year old Johnny can now drive around younger sibs. If you think your teens are an inconvenience why did you have them?

Posted by ColdBeer on May 14, 2008 at 6:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Personally, I think that the attempt to pass a "teen texting" law, while still allowing others to text while driving just shows why we are having the problems we have.

Posted by suec on May 14, 2008 at 7:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)

This girl was driving with her mother in the car.
If she had been driving with a 17 year old then maybe I could see blaming it on the SC Laws or lack of them.

I think they need to ban cell phones, texting or any activity that distracts from driving, including reading a book, shaving, putting on make-up, and eating breakfast.

Posted by abitskeptical on May 14, 2008 at 7:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Mom & CB...yes & yes.

I am a mom of 5 (yes,we know that is politically incorrect-but so far we've been able to feed & educate them) & it is a constant struggle to enforce our rules about driving, because our rules do not line up with the standard in SC.

They do not get a permit at 15.

When they start driving on their own(meaning full license)..it is ON THEIR OWN, or with one of us parents, for a full year before they are allowed to give someone a ride.

They are not allowed to ride in a car with another teen until that teen has been driving for a year...but the driver has to be older than 16.

Has this been a royal pain in the you know where?...Oh yes indeed. Do we look forward to when our duties as taxi service end? Well, yes & no...but,mostly yes.

Posted by abitskeptical on May 14, 2008 at 7:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)

suec--what was the mother going to do if she had no second set of controls in the car?

Having a parent in the car with an inexperienced driver helps only in situations where the driving is fairly risk free...empty parking lot, country roads, quiet neighborhood, etc.

Having a parent in the car with an inexperienced driver on an interstate is not going to make the driver more experienced. Unfortunately experience isn't transferable, much to the frustration of most parents!

Posted by Hey_U_Guys on May 14, 2008 at 7:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)

How about we raise the legal driving age. I've always thought 15 was a little young.

Posted by Early on May 14, 2008 at 7:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)

You can blame the Senate, the government or the milk man but ultimately, it's the responsibility of the parent to determine when the teen is ready for driving!

Posted by KDB4 on May 14, 2008 at 7:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The "teenage no texting while driving law" should be for adults too! Not just teens. There was a grown woman yesterday swerving into my lane with her black berry on the steering wheel texting away @4pm coming into goose creek on 52! Come on people! When you are behind the wheel of a car you are responsible for everyones lives around you. I see PLENTY of adults who have no business on the road too . I thank God every time I park my car at my destination safely. Please drive safe and TAKE YOUR TIME!!

Posted by tripsa on May 14, 2008 at 7:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)

man, my son didnt drive on the highway until after he went through the driving school and many more hours with me. He just turned 17, and I still only let him drive for short periods and short distances.

My kid spent many hours in that empty parking lot over by 78 and Berlin G.

very sad and very avoidable.

imagine how the truck driver feels

Posted by SuzieQJones on May 14, 2008 at 7:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Of course it's the parents job to determine whether the child is ready or not. A terrible price for a big mistake.

Posted by coachken on May 14, 2008 at 7:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)

My sympathies to the family.

The ink was not dry on the permit and she was on the Interstate. Hello!

When you teach someone to swim, throw them in the deep end and let them figure it out.

I learned in a parking lot, neighborhood, around town, and eventually was proficient enough to habdle the highway. I taught my children the same way.

Maybe the SC DMV could get the responsible person signing for the permit to read a common sense guide to teaching a teenager to drive.

Tragic.

Posted by wpc3iop on May 14, 2008 at 7:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)

South Carolina used to allow a beginner's permit at 14... I know because I had one! 15 is still too young...the state needs to raise the driving age and increase the amount of time that the beginner is required to be accompanied by an adult experienced driver. Texting and talking on a cell phone, except when using a hands-free device, should be illegal for EVERYONE...REGARDLESS OF AGE!

Posted by tripsa on May 14, 2008 at 7:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Early, speaking about the milk man....hmmm that guy does cause a lot of problems.

Posted by RTC on May 14, 2008 at 8:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)

State Farm offers the "Steer Clear" program which is a defensive driving course in which a parent has to participate. If followed correctly, it can help young drivers avoid accidents, and it also gives you a discount on your insurance just as drivers' education does.
Every little bit of extra education helps.

Posted by LadyTarHeel on May 14, 2008 at 8:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I have a question and I am not trying to take away from the tragedy that this is, but I heard on the news this morning that teeneagers who get their permits are not required to take a driver's ed course. The they must complete driver's ed, have their permit for 180 days, and have 40 hours behind the wheel (10 at night) to get their license. Is this true or did channel 4 get it wrong? If it is true, this seems kind of lax. In North Carolina, you must complete driver's ed before even thinking about getting a permit. Once you have your permit, you have to drive for a full year without any accidents or moving violations. Then you are awarded a limited provisional license which allows you to drive from 5am-9pm or to and from work with no more than 1 other person in the car. You keep these for 6 months (or longer like my parents did me) and then you get your full provisional license if you haven't had any traffic infractions. Sure it's a pain in the butt, but the government says that it has cut down on a lot of teen deaths.

Posted by mosinfan on May 14, 2008 at 8:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Tragic event...but the assertion that this tragedy is the result of a lack of more government oversight is simply asinine.

This tragedy occured because an inexperienced teen made a HUGE error and a parent made an even bigger error in judgement and paid the ulitimate price.

It seems as everything that happens today generates a response that we need more and more laws and regulations from big brother.

Posted by ColdBeer on May 14, 2008 at 8:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)

LadyTarHeel, it is true that you do not have to have any driving courses to get your learners permit. If I remember correctly, all you have to do is pass an exam on one of the computers. I really don't have an issue with that part of the system. Legally, it's not possible to take a driving class that involved hands on driving before you get the permit since you have to have the permit to be able to drive at all.

The person doing the teaching needs to know what they are doing and what the new driver can handle.

Posted by suec on May 14, 2008 at 8:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Exactly what my point was! This was an issue of a parent not being responsible. I imagine the girl was begging to drive, as I did at that age. When I first got my permit, I would have driven the car to the bathroom if I could have.

Instead of blaming the government for this, I hope it will serve as a wake up call to parents who give in way too easily to their teens. You are the parent. You make the rules. You are the adult.

Posted by buff_o_rilla on May 14, 2008 at 8:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Why leave training a teen to their parents, When most parents dont know how to drive properly in this state either. Require all teens to get professional training before they get a permit. Wouldnt hurt for most parents/people in this state to get it either.

Posted by wjhamilton3 on May 14, 2008 at 9 a.m. (Suggest removal)

My son Jackson just turned 16. Even he doesn't believe he's ready to drive yet. Mt. Pleasant is a pretty frightening place to drive: large vehicles, distracted drivers and high speeds. We've been having him putter around in the golf car for two years and he's clearly improved. He'll get a learner's permit and driver's lessons this summer. We're planning to take it slow. We live right on the CARTA bus line and Jackson's been taking the bus by himself since he was 10 and riding it with me his whole life. We live in I'On so he can walk or bike lots of places. We have sidewalks throughout our area.

With decent sidewalks, transit and a community which lets teens move around without a car we wouldn't have the pressure to put kids in vehicles before they are ready.

I believe Jackson could probably be driving the the Mt. Pleasant I grew up in, but there was a car on Mathis Ferry Road about every 500 feet then. They're about 50 feet apart now and moving faster.

CARTA has made huge improvements in the past three years. However we insist on building our communities to meet the needs of the car. Wando High School goes on the edge of town so it can have huge parking lots so the kids can drive to school which they have to do because it is on the edge of town. As a consequence kids who can't drive miss out on a lot of extra cirricular activities. I see hundreds of parents lined up to pick up their kids at Wando in the afternoons on our rare visits.

America loves the Automobile the way some women love the husbands which beat the daylights out of them three nights a week. We're stuck in a war we can end or win trying to secure an oil supply. Our nation is going bankrupt buying th oil and paying for that war. We've worn out our military forces with long deployments. We can't affort to build the roads we need to move the cars we have. The Town of Mt. Pleasant is in deficit spending because it's so spread out it can't collect enough taxes to pay the costs of municipal services.

It was fun to drive around Mt. Pleasant in 1972, but it isn't now. As our population ages, we're going to be in a huge fix unless we figure out a way for our young and our old to live without having to drive everywhere.

Posted by grannyofsix on May 14, 2008 at 9:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)

My heart is hurting for this family. and I pray they can get through this lose. as for the driving age I agree that the age limit should be higher and as far as texting IT SHOULD BE FOR ALL PEOPLE. I know having the phone is a good thing ay times.Breaking down, needing something at the store, pick up someone at last minute. But all this can wait till you are stopped at a parking area. I have a phone and right now it isn't doing me any good because I either leave it at home because I forgot it on the charger or in my purse dead berceuse I forgot to charge it. what did people do before cell phones. CB's yes and they also caused problems.JMO

Posted by tripsa on May 14, 2008 at 9:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)

mosinfan - great point

Posted by bucky on May 14, 2008 at 9:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Interesting article, but a bit tacky and disrespectful to publish so soon after this tragic event. Let this family grieve without reading about a lost family member as a teen driving statistic.

Posted by nappyd on May 14, 2008 at 9:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I'm confused. This article doesn't mention what happened to her, but instead devotes two sentences to it and then goes on to driving statistics. Did she cause the wreck?

Posted by nappyd on May 14, 2008 at 9:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Nevermind, saw the link to the article I was looking for.

Posted by LadyTarHeel on May 14, 2008 at 9:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Thanks Coldbeer. You are correct that it is technically illegal, that is why you and your parents both have to go to the DMV and sign some form before you can even begin driver's ed. After completion, you have to have a signed form from the instructor, you, your parent, and the school's enrollment office demonstrating that you are enrolled in high school (if you are under the age of 18) and that your grades are up to par. Then you can take the exam to get your permit. Like I said it's a long and drawn out process, but I guess they are just trying to make sure you are professionally trained before they cut you loose to your parents.

Posted by NativeSC on May 14, 2008 at 9:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Driving in SC 20 years ago was very different from today. 15 years old should not be driving, with a parent or anyone else, on the roads around Charleston. When I was a kid, my father would take me to an empty parking lot or out on dirt roads in the country(which don't exist anymore thanks to unfettered development) and taught me how to drive. No one does that anymore. I took drivers ed, which doesn't seem to be as prevalent as it used to be. If our worthless legislature isn't going to do anything about it, this is going to continue. I am guilty of using my cellphone in the car, but never without using a hands free device. It kills me to see someone with the cell phone in one hand and make-up, cigarette, food, whatever in the other hand. They couldn't possibly be paying attention to what they are doing. I agree with those who say it is a privilege, not a right. Maybe our spineless legislators will change the driving age to something more appropriate, mandate drivers ed to get a license, and make it a law that hands free devices must be used with cell phones while driving. Not a perfect solution, but better than what there is now. I guarantee if Bobby Harrell, Glenn McConnell, or one of these other POS was in the business of selling hands free devices or had a drivers ed business, it would be a law very quickly. This is a tragic loss and there will be another one before the end of the month, week, or maybe even today.

Posted by Cowboy on May 14, 2008 at 9:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Interesting information I learned because of deadly accident..

The South Carolina Highway Patrol (Columbia Office) offers FREE COUNSELING to ALL FAMILY MEMBERS whom should lose a Loved one on a South Public road..

May the Lord be with the Family....

Posted by ColdBeer on May 14, 2008 at 9:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I started teaching my daughter to drive at 15 (the day she got her learners permit). She did fine. She did MUCH better than many adults I see on a daily basis. As I said yesterday. I taught her to drive in empty parking lots, then in our neighborhood, then on side streets. She was probably close to 18 before she hit the interstate for the first time. She made some mistakes while she was learning, but I think she learned as well as I did when I first learned.

Posted by LadyTarHeel on May 14, 2008 at 10:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Coldbeer: I think it's awesome that you took the time to TEACH your daughter to drive. Notice the emphasis on teach. You remind me a lot of my dad. I like to tell people that I went to Jerry Ross Driving Boot Camp, that's how tough and critical he was of my driving. At the time it would make me soo upset that I would cry, but now I realize that he was just preparing me for different situations and it made me a much more alert and defensive driver. I have been in one accident though, but it was the best option. I rear-ended some idiot driver who decided it would be a good idea to come to a complete stop in the middle of a busy road without his break light working. I only had seconds to make a decision, and that's when all the things that my dad used to yell at me about came back. I chose to rear-end him to avoid a head on collision and a side impact from vehicle in the next lane. I wasn't hurt, no one else was hurt, and my car was only slightly damaged.

Posted by sassee on May 14, 2008 at 10:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)

This is an unfortunate accident to say the least but the biggest problem here is that a NEW driver was allowed to drive on I-26. That is the parents fault. I have to teenage girls, 19 and 15. My oldest was not allowed to drive in Charleston traffic for a couple years AFTER she got her permit and then only when I was satisfied she had the ability to do so. My 15 year old will probably be a little older before she drives in that kind of traffic because she is too easily distracted at this point in her driving.

Posted by PalmettoHawk on May 14, 2008 at 10:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Nothing but to simply say, "Kudos to you MomOfTwo."

You have your head on right, the responsibility belongs to each and every PARENT in raising their children. If you want the State to mandate what can and can't be done with your children you might as well sign them over to the State to raise. In taking the attitude that it is someone else's resonsibility to oversee your child's safety (and perhaps your own). Everyone screaming for more legislation is abidcating their own responsibility.

Posted by suec on May 14, 2008 at 10:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)

You are right wallytowngrl. How many of us have never run a stop sign or red light?

Posted by Larz13 on May 14, 2008 at 10:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)

...two years ago, 6.7 percent of the state's licensed drivers were teenagers, but they accounted for 12.7 percent of accidents. It's no coincidence that insurance rates are higher for drivers under 25.

And the article did not say that there is no coincidence that rates are higher in SC than in other parts of the country because of laws like this, lax DWI laws, uninsured motorists, etc.

Posted by Charles_Town on May 14, 2008 at 11:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I got my permit on my birthday. But drove no where except in the neighborhood for the next 6-8 months. My dad taught me in a little Toyota and I remember distinctly his hand always resting on the emergency brakes between the seats. I think it was a year before I was allowed on Interstate. Of course all this was contingent on me keeping my grades up not to passing level but to their level of satisfaction. Talk about motivation to learn and behave.

Posted by UrGatorbait on May 14, 2008 at 12:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The P&C stirs the pot by trying to tie in the deaths of these two with texting laws and other traffic related statistics. Very weak.

Harpo you need some therapy dude or step away from the keyboard for awhile. Wishing death on others? You are sick.

Coldbeer hit on the head..Teach your kids to drive. TEACH

Again my thoughts to the families and friends involved on both sides of this tragedy.

Posted by Girleygirl on May 14, 2008 at 12:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I got my permit at 15 because I kept begging my mom, but my mom would not allow me to touch a car until I was 16. I kept begging my mom to let me get my driver's license and she told me not until she wants me to have it. I was able to get my driver's license once I graduated from high school. I THOUGHT I was the only child that had to get a driver's permit renewed twice. I love my mom for it though!

Posted by realman on May 14, 2008 at 12:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

My sincerely condolences to the surviving family members.

Who in the world would let a 15 year old drive on the interstate?

Everyday I witness mature adults acting like children as they drive on I-26. Every single day.

Though the daughter was driving, the mother is responsible for the accident. May she and her daughter rest in peace. I feel so sorry for the surviving daughter/sister. If a small portion of common sense had been applied, all three would be alive today.

Posted by tdrohe on May 14, 2008 at 12:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I was rasied in South Florida, even got my license from there when I was 16.
My son is now 16 with a permit. I know for a fact, there are 3 stages to the licensing of these children NOW. Also, they HAVE to attend a driving school in order to get to the 2nd stage of getting a license. Honestly I think South Carolina is doing all the right things!!!!!

Posted by Early on May 14, 2008 at 12:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Old geisers are just as much risk as teens!

Posted by ashleyriver on May 14, 2008 at 12:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I, too, grew up in SC and 40+ years ago when I got my permit at age 15, driving conditions were MUCH different than now. I see now my parents were probably right--that I was too young then to be behind the wheel and I certainly think---given the nature of today's traffic---15 is far, far too young to be driving in 75+mph traffic on ANY interstate.

But now is not the time to be criticizing the Mother for making a bad decision---we all know how teenagers can put the pressure on.....Now is the time for prayer and condolences.

Posted by TacrolimusAddict on May 14, 2008 at 1:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I agree with all comments on texting, phoning, age, and Drivers Ed. I started driving at 13 in MtPleasant by sneeking out my bedroom window and stealing my parents car. Never got caught, back then Chief Dawley didn't patrol at night.

My wife complaned to me a couple of months ago that she was driving 65MPH on eastbound I-26 and suddenly without warning she found herself doing 65MPH in the rest stop.
She showed me the route and it was true.

Entering I-26 eastbound from College Park Rd. stay in the right lane, accelerate to cruising speed and WOOPS you are in the rest stop.

This is where the poor little girl swerved her car. She noticed too late that she was leaving the Interstate and swerved left trying to get back on the Interstate and she swerved into and under the cement truck.

Perhaps the SC DOT should look into some better signage.

Posted by grannyofsix on May 14, 2008 at 1:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I was 23 when i got my drivers license and i have had one accident in the 30 plus years. and, only one ticket my daughter got her license at 16. has had no accidents, and 2 tickets she is now 41, but i guess now days things are different there is a lot more cars on the road and a lot more distractions

Posted by archdude on May 14, 2008 at 1:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Is everyone still bitching about what a legal driving age should be and how there should be new or better or alternative laws to make it so Billy, Bobby Sue, and Harpo Marx only do what YOU think they should be doing? Get over it...you know when you were a kid you were chomping at the bit just to smell the driver seat of your parent's car. Yeah, traffic has changed, but...

Posted by archdude on May 14, 2008 at 1:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

As long as we are at it...

I got my permit at 15, took driver's ed, got my license at 16 years and 1 month as stipulated by the state I grew up in. By the time I was 18 I was frequently driving 1200+ miles cross country on trips home from Orlando to where my family lived. (for those who care I am 33 now)

Yep, it is all about age. As I said before, there are many, many factors that need weighed to determine when a person is truly ready to drive. I would guarantee many of YOU would not pass MY driving test even at your advanced and all knowing ages.

Posted by LiveYourBestLife on May 14, 2008 at 3:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Come on Post and Courier! Good job sympathizing with a grieving family to put a headline that says, "Girl becomes Teen Driving Statistic."

I pray for the family and their heartache. This headline needs flushed!

Posted by ColdBeer on May 14, 2008 at 3:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

For the record, I never once wanted to smell my dad's car seat...

Posted by BigSargeofSC on May 14, 2008 at 4:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)

For those who want to raise the driving age, stop and consider this point. If that state raises the driving age, that means we turn out drivers at legal adult age who have almost no driving experience. The age of 15 is reasonalbe. What is lacking is a parent the nerve to be a parent and make sure their child gets the proper training.

Posted by RedHorse7 on May 14, 2008 at 4:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

MomofTwo----- You are right on the money ! ! ! !

Posted by dwfrance on May 14, 2008 at 5:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)

drivers in the slow lane are supposed to move over to let the drivers on the ramp get in...or did that law change...geezz just move over and let them in without a fight to rush in

Posted by archdude on May 14, 2008 at 5:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Coldbeer,

I got you...but the point was pretty clear for everyone on just how much their point of view must have changed in the last however many years since they were the young pup just waiting for their chance to get behind the wheel and control horsepower more than that of a lawnmower.

Then again, maybe I had an unfair advantage. Learned to ride a dirt bike at 7 or 8 about the same time I was taught how to drive a tractor. By the time it got to cars, learning a 5 speed was a simple process that only involved keying the timing of my foot for clutch-gas smoothness. It did not take long..within a few minutes I had it down from watching others and applying what was learned with the other types of transportation I had already driven.

Query: Do you feel we do kids a disservice by making them learn how to drive an automatic? I think everyone should learn on a standard transmission so they get a feel for how much more attention they should be paying to what the car and engine are doing. I mean, if you drive a stick in certain traffic situations you certainly don't have time to text, talk on a phone except a hands-free, or do other stuff.

Posted by dwfrance on May 14, 2008 at 5:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

oops its not a law to move over but it should be

Posted by ridgerunner on May 14, 2008 at 6:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I started driving with restricted licensee at age 14, and age of 16 driving a school bus, the school i attended had 43 buses and i dont ever recall any accidents with student drivers, this was back in the early 60s if we drove it was the family car and you knew you better be carful if not you had to walk because you couldnt sit down, if we had our own car we had to work to get it the after school all day and 6 hours a day in a cotton mill you took care because you worked for it.not saying this has anything to do with this accident, but kids (including my own) have it to easy now,
i know of kids that get a permit and a car the same day, one family i know has a 16 year daughter she has a range rover seh drives to school while her mom drives a 80s model mini van that smokes so bad you can hardley see behind her
i feel sorry for the other girl and the family, also think about the poot truck driver, that i am sure from experince every time he closes his eyes he sees this young family, dont blame the mother because that makes other family members fell responsible

Posted by svESinKW on May 14, 2008 at 6:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

First, God Bless the surviving family. They have a tough time ahead of them.

Second, I am 49 years old and STILL avoid the interstate whenever I can. There's some crazy people out there! If this child had little or no driving experience, what on earth was she doing on the interstate!!! Especially before she learned that if you are caught in an "exit only" lane, and can't get over due to traffic, you should just exit and get back on. To expect another driver to deal with your mistake can be dangerous and deadly.

For the record, I have a perfect driving record and wasn't allowed to get my license until I was 18 and I learned to drive in Southern California which I consider to be "trial by fire."

Posted by luvmydogs59 on May 14, 2008 at 6:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

When I was a teenager, in the 70s, the law where I lived was permit first, then license shortly thereafter, at the age of 17. We were required to have driver's ed classes in school and required to take behind the wheel training, also by the school. My parents also taught me to drive as well, and they were very thorough. By the time all my training was done, I knew how to drive and how to drive correctly! Believe it or not, I wasn't one of those kids who ran red lights or stop signs, nor did I have the notion to speed. Where I lived, any of those things would get you killed since I lived in a major metropolitan area and traffic was atrocious.

My children ,who are pretty much grown, still live up there. By the time they were ready to drive, the state went to a graduated license, which they still have. Permit at 16, no full license till 18. Since the schools had long abandoned driver's ed behind the wheel, for insurance reasons, the kids were required to still take behind the wheel, but from a private company. Well worth the cost. I also taught my kids to drive, just as my parents did for me. I'm happy to report that they are great drivers.

Their state also has a no cell phone while driving law. Get caught and pay a whopping fine. Sometimes I'll be talking to my daughter and I know she's in the car without her bluetooth on. And she then knows she'll get an ass chewing from me.

When I read that they didn't pass the law outlawing cell phone use, texting, etc. for teen drivers, I was outraged! And I agree with many others...cell phone use should be banned for everyone! If you must use your phone in your car, it should be hands free at all times. I am lucky in that my car itself has bluetooth built in, so I never have to pick up my phone while driving. I seldom use it in the car anyway, bluetooth or not. I'd rather concentrate on my driving so I can be concious of the other drivers who are talking on their phones, etc.

Better safe than sorry!

Posted by luvmydogs59 on May 14, 2008 at 6:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I also express my condolences to the families of everyone involved in this accident.

One thing I did do when I moved here, was to check all the towns around where I wanted to locate and check out the driving routes in and out. I purposely picked Goose Creek because, for the majority of the time, I never have to get on the interstate to get where I need to go. I won't use them unless I have no choice.

Posted by december1 on May 14, 2008 at 6:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I have a daughter who will be 18 in September and she still has no license. I don't feel she is ready to be behind the wheel of an automobile . I would much rather get her where she needs to go which is challenging some days but I refuse to put her or others in danger because of her lack of experience. At 16 she got her permit and the times I have rode with her has been like a scarey amusement park ride. While she is mature in many ways I don't see that she is mature enough to drive. In fact I am making her go through a driving class before I even give any thought to allowing her to ger her license. Many parents feel pressured by their kids to hurry and get their license because their friends are driving and have a car. Their are many teens that really are mature enough to have a license. Parents don't need to allow their teenagers to decide when they are ready.I don't need a law to guide me on how to raise my teenager and tell me when she is ready to drive. Parents need to use their instincts when allowing their kids to get a license. Accidents do happen even with the most experienced drivers . texting should not be allowed by anyone adults or teenagers. But we don't need the government to tell us something that we all know is a distraction to driving and a danger to others!!.

Posted by californiagirl on May 14, 2008 at 6:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

This is such a terrible thing that has happened and i will keep this family in my prayers.

One thing that needs to be realized however, although teen drivers are unexperienced, and some not mature enough to take on the responsibilty of driving, they can't be automatically labeled as a "bad driver" just because they are a teenager. Senior citizens can be just as bad drivers. And then of course you have full grown adults who put their makeup on in their car every morning on the way to work or play with their blackberry on the interstate. The "Teen Texting Law" should be for adults as well! I mean, would you really think it should be illegal for teens to text while driving and legal for adults to do? If you think you are ready for your child to get their permit at 15, then so be it. Ultimately, it should be the parent who makes the descision for when their child should get their permit.

The law is the law.

Posted by Tulane75 on May 14, 2008 at 7:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

There are circumstances under which it is more important to be kind than correct, although I do not concede that you (posters) are either. Some of the above comments are in poor taste with respect to both timing and content.

Posted by abitskeptical on May 14, 2008 at 8 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Tulane--I agree with the 1st half of your 1st sentence.

However, although some have been a little over the top in driving home(pun actually not intended) who was at fault in this accident, most people have expressed deep concern & sympathy for the family.

We are commenting on an article, not talking to the family face to face nor leaving messages for the family on the funeral home message page.

Posted by geekguy2008 on May 14, 2008 at 11:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Liveyourbestlife, there is an old saying that goes the truth hurts. Sure, there are those that don't want to hear how another teen driver has become a statistic.

The truth hurts, but that same truth just might save another teen. For that reason, that headline will do its best job.....getting the reader's attention.

Posted by reality_woman on May 15, 2008 at 1:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

In my opinion 15 is just too young to put behind the wheel of a car. The mother should not have put this girl behind the wheel that day and set here out on the interstate. I hate the interstate and avoid it if at all possible. I have been driving over 32 years and feel that I am a decent driver, but I still have to think I am still learning as the drivers out there get worse and worse. I also ride a motorcycle and people do not look. In the past few weeks the number of cars that have pulled out on me are be coming to numerous to count. They say they don't see you. They do see you they still think that they can pull out fast enough to get out of your way. People have no regard for each other so we as drivers of car or motorcycles have to be that more defensive. God help us all while we travel the road ways.