Give STTOP a go

We hope Ventura County authorities will consider joining L.A. County Sheriff’s Department STTOP (Sheriff’s Teen Traffic Offender Program). See story on page 1.

STTOP encourages observers to call a hotline whenever they see bad driving by teenagers. A representative of the sheriff’s department soon contacts the registered owner of the vehicle (probably a parent) and explains the anonymous report. No tickets are issued, but another young motorist will likely learn to be more responsible behind the wheel.

Not all teenagers drive recklessly, but some do.

Residents of Conejo Valley recently have been made painfully aware of the consequences when a young driver speeds down a major thoroughfare at more than 100 mph. And many of us, looking back at our younger days, will admit that we occasionally drove too fast or even raced other cars. It was foolish and immature, but we did it anyway.

The hope is that teenagers won’t drive recklessly because they’re afraid of getting caught. And if they are, a few weeks of losing their driving privileges might be a good lesson.

Everyone, of course, should report erratic driving. A drunk driver, who’s weaving back and forth, is a menace to everyone.

Other motorists should always call authorities when they see a drunk behind the wheel.

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