The perils of teen driving hit home
By Sophia Fischer sfischer@theacorn.com

IRIS SMOOT/Acorn Newspapers REMEMBERING- Speaking at a teen driving safety seminar in Westlake Village, Gayle Shank recalls the death of her 18yearold daughter, who was killed in a traffic accident.

Gayle Shank of Agoura Hills wants to spare other parents the nightmare her family faced.

Shank, in tears, described to an audience of parents and teens how her 18-year-old daughter Krystin was killed by a reckless driver in 2005.

She spoke at the "Is Your Teen Road Ready?" discussion sponsored by the Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff's Station and the city of Westlake Village on April 24 at Westlake Village City Hall. The free annual event provides information to teens and parents about the importance of safe driving.

Shank said her daughter had been a passenger in a car driven by a teenage boy, who was speeding down Westlake Boulevard in the rain. He lost control of the car and slammed into a tree. Krystin was killed on impact. The driver, Sean Gittens, received a year in jail and five years probation.

"You guys need to be careful and realize that when you're driving fast you have no time to react," Shank said.

IRIS SMOOT/Acorn Newspapers WORDS TO THE WISE- Lost Hills Traffic Sgt. Phil Brooks tells parents about the responsibilities that come with teen driving.

At the time of the crash Gittens had already received several moving violations. He should never have had keys to a vehicle, Shank said.

"His parents didn't do anything to stop him," Shank said. "It's okay to say no to your kids. They can hate you, but at least they'll be alive."

She also urged teens not to get into a car with a driver known for going fast.

"Every time you get into a car you are entrusting your life to the driver," Shank said. "You don't want to put your parents through this."

Joining Shank on the speaker panel were representatives from the Department of Motor Vehicles, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, law enforcement and an insurance company.

"Teens have to realize that they don't have a car- they have a loaded gun that can kill themselves and others," said Michael Udell, an agent with Allstate insurance in Calabasas. "It's a huge step in growing up."

Automobile crashes are the leading cause of death among 15to 20-year-olds, said April Snook of Mothers Against Drunk Driving.

Midnight to 6 a.m. is usually the time period when drunk driving occurs, she added; however, such accidents can happen at any time.

"Drunk driving is not an accident. It is 100 percent preventable," Snook said. "It's not premeditated, but the effects of it are just as devastating as if it were."

Graphic photos of cars mangled in accidents involving teen drinking were shown.

"How would you feel if that was your 18-year-old or that was you?" Snook said. "What would you do to avoid this happening to you or your family?"

Distractions are another common cause of teen crashes, said Udell. He advised against the use of cellphones and iPods while driving, and suggested a limit on the number of passengers allowed, if any.

"Everyone sitting here, if distracted, will have an accident before they are 18. It doesn't matter if your child is a 4.0 (gradepoint average). Good students have had just as many accidents as anyone else," Udell said.

Parents should monitor children's driving habits for at least the first two years, several speakers said. Have children sign a safe driving pledge; if they violate the contract, they walk, said Sgt. Phil Brooks. Parents may cancel children's driver's licenses at the DMV.

"On your way to work, pull over and watch your teen drive by. Are they going too fast or picking people up?" Brooks said. "Parents, it's your responsibility."

Udell encouraged parents to review safety records of vehicles they purchase for children by visiting manufacturer and dealer websites and making sure cars are equipped with such safety features as air bags. Students who maintain good grades and safe driving records can keep insurance costs down, Udell added.

The public can report cases of reckless teen driving through the Sheriff's Teenage Traffic Offender Program. To file a report, call (818) 880-5420 or visit www.sttop.net.

"We've got to be looking out for each other. It's not just you. It's the person next to you and on the road," said Dep. Mike Woodard.

Drivers who have had their licenses for less than one year may not drive with passengers, even siblings, Brooks said.

"You cannot take a sibling in a car, even with a note," Brooks said.

Brooks offered other tips: If a cellphone must be used, pull over and stop, and don't hesitate to kick out passengers who are causing distractions.

Suzanne Corwin brought her son, James, 15, and his friend, James Olson, 14, to the program.

"I thought it might be wise to have him come and learn," Corwin said.

The presentation may be seen online at www.wlv.org.