<p>This was in the OC Register this morning about Gillian who died in the accident "The principal recounted the campaign speech Gillian gave the day she died, asking students to re-elect her as ASB president.</p>
<p>She put on a skit. She stood behind a screen while performers, including Ashley, acted out in pantomime.</p>
<p>The topic was, “What Would School Be Like Without Me?”</p>
<p>The performers pretended to cry.</p>
<p>Gillian came out from behind the screen. </p>
<p>oh if only now…</p>
<p>One of my co-workers is best friends with the older brothers of the driver this accident hit the lives of students from at least 8 local high schoold</p>
<p>What is the difference Binx? I tend to think of extreme speeds on the Autobahn as being more dangerous. I’ve been advocating defensive driving classes for my kids!</p>
<p>I can’t imagine what the parents of these kids are going through, But I’m going to be mean and ask who in their right mind allows a 16 year old to drive with a carload of kids? Alternately why would you allow your kid in get in a car full of kids with an inexperienced driver? Every prom season there are these tragedies because the parents aren’t thinking. </p>
<p>Where we live, the Autobahn is very safe. Everyone drives on the right except to pass (what a concept). Trucks aren’t allowed at night or on Sundays or holidays. Driving age is 18. Licenses cost about 1000 Euros or more. (Zagat - Drivers education is mandatory – Only driving schools are allowed to teach, not parents.) Roads are well maintained. So are cars. Autobahns have “unlimited speed” in many areas, but not everywhere (contrary to popular myth). Cameras are everywhere to catch speeders. You get your ticket in the mail. (Used to be along with the photo, but there were too many passengers who turned out to not be spouses that they quit sending the photo…It is available upon request.)</p>
<p>Germany has its share of jerks on the road. (Germans say that BMWs have “automatic right of way” – That is said with a bit of sarcasm.) But cars are smaller. (The size of the cars in the US is really scary.) Gas is more expensive. People live closer to work. People tend to see driving as a priviledge rather than a right. Licenses are lost quickly and easily - for everything from drunk driving to not wearing a seatbelt. Cell phone use while driving is illegal.</p>
<p>Also, since cars are almost all standard transmission, it takes more “work” to drive - more alertness. </p>
<p>Sadly, Americans in Germany do have some trouble with the Autobahn – We have been told a disproportionate number of Autobahn deaths are Americans. I’m <em>guessing</em> that many of them are military – young guys with excess testosterone. We can often spot their cars from a distance, and when we get close enough to check the license plate, we are right.</p>
<p>I do not at all prefer most things German to American, but they ARE better drivers.</p>
<ul>
<li><p>The mother of the car owner and driver was the assistant principal at the HS.</p></li>
<li><p>Six kids in a suv prone to rollovers, which only seats five (the sixth boy was sitting back “in the cargo bay”, was thrown out, but survived)</p></li>
<li><p>The three kids who were belted also survived.</p></li>
</ul>
<p>BMoyilan:
It would only be mean if you were saying it to the family. I think you have a very valid point. Kids get their driver’s licenses and people act as if they actually know how to dirve - NOT! We had a car full of kids flip over in my town recently. 6 kids with a 17 year old driver at 10:00pm. Coming from a church event - but who cares. The potential for distraction is just too great. My kid wasn’t allowed to drive with friends until he was 18 - and then only one or two kids that I know, and rarely at that! Parents - pick up your kids or drive them around. Don’t rely on their friends. It is just too dangerous.</p>