No Talking on a Cell Phone or Texting while Driving by Dr. Robert Wallace on Creators.com

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TEENS: Do you talk on a cell phone or text while driving an automobile? If your answer is yes, then you need to eliminate these unacceptable, dangerous, and, in many localities, illegal driving behaviors!

Our government reported that drivers using cell phones and texting were involved in 16 percent of fatal crashes last year, with teen drivers being the most prevalent offenders. The Transportation Department reported that half a million automobile passengers last year were injured and nearly 6,000 killed in vehicle crashes connected to drivers talking on cell phones or texting while driving. "To put it plainly, distracted driving is a menace to society," reported Transportation Secretary Ray La Hood.

Some teens complain because insurance companies charge them higher premiums for auto insurance coverage, but excessive teen use of cell phones and texting while driving is yet another factor in higher auto premiums for young drivers.

NO TEEN PEN PALS FOR PRISONERS

DR. WALLACE: Last week, our church youth counselor received a letter from a prisoner. He reported that he was lonely and wanted to become pen pals with several girls who are 16 years or older. The counselor encouraged some of us girls to correspond with this convict because we might be able to be part of his rehabilitation.

I'd like to be a pen pal with him, but my parents won't allow it.

What can I do to get them to change their minds? — Nameless, Marion, Ill.

NAMELESS: I agree that prison inmates can benefit by having a pen pal and that church members could be excellent pals. But the pals should be adult church members, not teens. Some prisoners are looking for more than idle "chit-chat" correspondence; they want some sort of relationship with their pal. I have been informed by several prison officials that discourage teens from becoming pen pals with prisoners for that reason.

MY BROTHER TELLS LIES

DR. WALLACE: My 12-year-old brother constantly tells lies. When I confront him about these fibs, my mother gets angry with me and says to back off because "Bruce has a vivid imagination." I think my mom is making a huge mistake; she is encouraging him to continue lying. Do you agree? — Angie, Moncton, New Brunswick.

ANGIE: There is a huge difference between a vivid imagination and telling lies. I agree that Mom should curb his imagination and bring him back to reality. Twelve-year-olds ought to know fact from fiction.

Dr. Robert Wallace welcomes questions from readers. Although he is unable to reply to all of them individually, he will answer as many as possible in this column. E-mail him at rwallace@galesburg.net. To find out more about Dr. Robert Wallace and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.