DR. WALLACE: I have two brothers, one younger and the other older, and one older sister. My younger eleven-year-old brother is severely mentally handicapped and is institutionalized. I have only seen him twice and the last time was four years ago when he became very ill and my parents thought he was going to die. Ever since his illness, my parents never mention his name. In fact, when they make new friends, they say that they have three children, not four.

I'm 16 and would really like to visit my younger brother, but I'm afraid to mention it to my parents. Any advice will be appreciated. — Nameless, Chicago, Ill.

NAMELESS: Share your feelings with your brother and sister. It could be they have the same concerns. Even if they don't want to see your younger brother, I'm sure they would help encourage your parents to allow you to see him. If your parents refuse, don't force the issue. Wait until you leave home and can visit your brother with or without their permission. It's important for you and for your younger brother that you be allowed to form a relationship with him!

CAN SCHOOL LOCKERS BE SEARCHED?

DR. WALLACE: All I want is a simple yes or no to my question. Does the assistant principal of a high school have the legal right to search a locker without the student's permission and without a search warrant? — Nameless, Gary, Ind.

NAMELESS: Yes.

I DON'T TRUST USED CAR SALESMEN

DR. WALLACE: I have saved enough money to buy my first used car but I've heard so many things about used car salesmen that I don't trust them at all. What should I look for when buying a used car?

My dad is a very intelligent man, but when it comes to cars he can barely fill the tank with gas. - Nameless, Tupelo, Miss.

NAMELESS: In checking with a "friendly" used car salesman I was informed that the engine was the most important and most expensive part of the car. Beware if the engine is hard to start, idles rough or noisy, or if the engine response is slow when given gas.

Next, check the interior and exterior looking for ripples in the body (probably sure signs of a wreck), and rust (usually covered by floor mats).

Check all accessories making sure they are operable. Your last check should be the tires, tailpipe and muffler.

After "looking" the car over, take it for a test drive, checking acceleration, braking and general riding comfort. If after all this, you like the car, take the "friendly" doctor's advice and have a qualified mechanic give the car a once over.

Safe and happy driving!

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 [email protected]. 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.