Commentary

Ask Your Teen Driver to Read This! 

On Wednesday, November 11, I witnessed two very troubling incidents involving teenage drivers.
A friend and I were horseback riding on Carpenter and O’Neil Roads at 3:15 p.m. when we heard the sound of a car traveling in our direction. We were about 30 feet off the road, in an open field, just east of North Pasture Lane and the Thibault Farm. I frequently ride these roads on my horse and am very sensitive to the noise of approaching vehicles. Although we couldn’t see the car due to a row of trees, it was obvious from the sound it made that it was traveling at a very high rate of speed. When the car appeared, it was indeed traveling at what my friend and I estimated to be 70 mph. Then it went airborne as it exited the crest of the road.
As the driver caught us in the corner of his eye, he ineffectively braked briefly before continuing down the road. The car was a silver Audi wagon and was driven by a tall, curly-haired teenaged boy. Unfortunately we were unable to get a plate number.
We were thankful that we were not in the road, nor was there a car coming in the opposite direction as there is a blind spot at that section of the road. My friend and I discussed what we should do. Had we been able to (100 percent) identify the driver, we both agreed that a phone call to his parents would have been appropriate.  
We continued riding our horses down the road, planning to turn onto Leavensworth Road. Just before turning, I glanced down the road and was shocked to see another car fishtailing in our direction. It was too far away for us to be certain of the speed, but in an instant the Subaru went airborne and catapulted into a triple roll. I screamed and started galloping towards the car while trying to dial 911 on my cell. My friend headed to the nearest house for help. I was convinced someone was seriously injured. As I approached the car another driver arrived, and much to my surprise and relief the young man driving the car climbed out apparently unhurt! I’m convinced that his seatbelt saved him from serious injury. That, and the fact that there were no other cars on the road.
Both incidents happened within half an hour of CVU dismissal.
Please, parents, remind your young drivers regularly of the importance of obeying speed limits as well as being aware of other vehicles, humans and animals on the roads we travel. Set a good example by doing the same yourselves. If you see my son or my friend’s daughter traveling at inappropriate speeds, please call me. The road on that particular day was in fantastic shape, nearly blacktop smooth and dry with little to no loose gravel. We are headed toward more challenging and dangerous driving conditions. Let’s all watch out for each other and our kids. DRIVE SAFELY!

Deb Olsen