Parents need some help in training teenagers to drive

I read the article "Commission Would Study Teen Driving" (News Transcript, Jan. 31, 2007) and agree that we need to do more to ensure the safety of our teen drivers. As a mother of a 16-year-old, soon to get his license, I am concerned about what may lie ahead.

We all know that driving is something that is better learned through experience, so I think it's a tough call for a parent to judge their teenager unless the teenager has an obvious problem.

I think this new commission should suggest that the state should mandate more training with professionals (driving schools) other than the six hours that is now required to obtain a permit, and I also think the state should make it more affordable for people.

I did pay for my son to take the six hours, but the average price for that was $250. If it was more affordable I would gladly send him for more training, but at these prices the average Joe cannot.

I was considering sending him for a defensive driving class, but again it's costly, and knowing the cost of the insurance that we will have to be paying very soon for him, it's just not in the budget.

As a taxpayer and a parent, I would like to see changes to help our children without a financial burden to the family.

Sandy Goncalves

Howell