Teens steer clear of danger

Teens in the driver’s seat; Ask the parent of just about any teenager and they will tell you the phrase conjures images more disturbing and frightening than anyone should ever be forced to witness.

Yet two Colorado City teens are using these same words to inspire their fellow young drivers to think before they get behind the wheel of a car. Kristee Barnett and Mandy Scott, members of Family Career & Community Leaders of America (FCCLA), are using the phrase as a calling card for their ongoing project within the organization.
“One of my friends had just received a Minor in Consumption ticket,” Kristee Barnett said, speaking on the genesis of the project. “And when another friend was charged with a DWI, it hit me pretty hard.”

Barnett began warning friends, fellow students and anyone who would listen about not being alert behind the wheel of a vehicle. Discussions – perhaps more often than not, debates – on drinking and driving, texting while driving, etc. with classmates became the norm as the desire to keep her friends out of harm’s way was forced to the forefront in the teenager’s life.

At the suggestion of teacher Judy Merrell, Barnett, along with FCCLA member Mandy Scott, decided to use the slogan as the passion to feed their FCCLA project.

Today, a minivan which has been rolled several times, sits in front of Colorado High School to remind young drivers to pay attention when they are behind the wheel of a vehicle.

The duo, along with guest speakers are currently targeting freshman students at Colorado ISD, hoping to catch them before they start driving and warn them of just some of the dangers they will face if they do not keep their attention on the road.

Teens in the Driver’s Seat will be heading to regional competition March 2 at Abilene Christian University, where the top two projects will earn a right to advance to state competition in Dallas.

Barnett says the competition is great and gives them a chance to get the word out to more young drivers, but her first thought will always be with those drivers she sees every day at Colorado ISD.

“There has been an increase in DUI’s, MIP’s, MIC’s and no seatbelt tickets issued to students at Colorado ISD,” Barnett said.“We just want them to stop and think before they get behind the wheel. After all, they are in the driver’s seat.”