Encouraging youthful drivers

Erick Kalenga
Published: June 28, 2008

This past week, I came across a teen driver press release from the Virginia Farm Bureau.

The press release talked about how a teen from Culpeper County received a $1,000 savings bond.

According to the release, “Virginia Farm Bureau Insurance Services awarded a $1,000 U.S. Savings Bond to Caitlin P. Flathers of Rixeyville for the successful completion of the Teenage Driver Safety Education Program.

“The program is designed to help protect the lives of Virginia teens by rewarding safe, responsible young drivers. Caitlin is the third member of the Flathers family to receive this award from Virginia Farm Bureau.

“Her sister, Meghan, qualified for the savings bond in December of 2003, and her brother, George III, qualified in October of 2005.

“According to the U.S. Center for Disease Control, motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for young people from 16 to 19 years of age.

“In fact, although this age group represents just 10 percent of the driving population, they are involved in 14 percent of traffic fatalities and 20 percent of all reported accidents.

“On the basis of miles driven, teenagers are involved in four times as many fatal crashes as adults. One third of fatal car accidents involving teen drivers are caused by speed.

“Under the program, Virginia Farm Bureau Insurance Services provides a $1,000 U.S. Savings Bond to teenage participants when the conditions of the program are met.
“The program was started in December 1996 and the first savings bonds were awarded in December 1999. More than 4,000 teens have successfully completed the program since its inception.

“To enroll in the Teen Driver Safety Education Program, the teen must have an accident-free and conviction-free driving record before entering into the program; must be a Virginia licensed driver under the age of 18 years old; must maintain an accident-free and conviction-free driving record for the three years after the contract is signed; and must be listed on a Virginia Farm Bureau auto insurance policy for three years after signing the contract.”

I spoke to Caitlin’s mother, Jenifer Flathers, about the program.

Mrs. Flathers said that her husband Bill and she are very proud of their children. She said that they have five children.

First-born Meghan Sides is 24-years-old and married. She completed the program.

Second child Will Flathers, 22, completed the program. The third child, Caitlin, 20, just received the award. The fourth child, Erin, 17, is now enrolled in the program. The fifth child, Patrick, is 5 years old and learning to ride a bicycle.

Mrs. Flathers said that she loves the program since it encourages teens to be more responsible on the road. And I also think the $1,000 savings bond is a great goal the teen will have to look forward too.

Mrs. Flathers said there are so many accidents involving young drivers that is the reason why she is committed to helping her children learn the importance of driving safely on the road.

She told me that all three of her children who have completed the program kept their promises — they went for three years without committing any violation.

Mrs. Flathers also said that she loves the program and feels that her family is blessed to be involved in this program. She said that it is very important for parents to be involved in their kids’ lives.

The kids who are involved in this program are not only doing this for money or to protect themselves. They are making sure that our community is also safe.

I truly applaud these wonderful citizens and their parents. I encourage every parent to enroll their teenaged children in this program or in something similar. Blessings to all.

Erick Kalenga is an independent columnist who appears Sundays in the Star-Exponent. He lives in Madison County. E-mail