TEENS: I know I sometimes preach about the dangers of not wearing seat belts, but I feel compelled to keep on doing so because, quite simply, the proper use of seat belts saves lives.

Sometimes teens feel invincible, or they become careless, and this can lead to tragedy. For instance, this recent headline in a local paper gave me a jolt: "Crash Kills Teen." The story told of an 18-year-old female who died in an accident on a freeway. She was riding in the back seat, but was not wearing a seat belt. The driver and the front-seat passenger, who were properly buckled up, both survived. Authorities believe their seat belts helped protect them from serious injury.

The Highway Patrol officers reported that, while people in the front seat generally buckle up, back-seat riders are far less likely to do so because they feel safe. According to a Highway Patrol spokesman, "Wearing a safety belt is the least expensive and most effective protection money can buy," and he reminded people that all passengers should wear seat belts every time on every trip.

In a crash, all riders continue to move forward until something stops them. That could be the hard front seat or even the person in front of you. The bottom line, teens, is that you must buckle up every time you ride in a motor vehicle, regardless of where you sit. Your life is much too precious to be put at unnecessary risk!

HAVING SEX RUINS RELATIONSHIPS

DR. WALLACE: I realize this is not 100 percent the way it is, but at least it sets a trend. I'm 19 and have been dating a guy for over a year and we really care for each other. The neat thing is that he hopes someday to be my husband and I'd like to be his wife.

One of the reasons he respects me so much is that I have said "No" to sex. The first time we dated, I made it clear we would not have a sexual relationship, and he has never tried to pressure me into changing my mind. My two best girlfriends have chosen to be sexually active and both have had multiple boyfriends. Their relationships never seem to last.

I'm writing my letter to all the girls who think that a sexual relationship is a good way to keep a boyfriend. They are simply wrong! It's actually the fastest way to lose him. — Nameless, Erie, Pa.

NAMELESS: Thanks for sharing with our teen readers. I receive a high volume of mail that tells the same story.

RELAX, AND DON'T SWEAT IT

DR. WALLACE: Whenever I'm placed in an unpleasant situation, I get sweaty palms. The sweat almost drips from them. Of course, this causes me much embarrassment. Do I have a major problem? What causes this to happen? — Nervous, Ames, Iowa.

NERVOUS: You don't have a major problem. This happens to many people. According to Dr. Louis Cooper, a professor at Columbia University's College of Physicians and Surgeons, you are suffering from a phenomenon known as "fright reaction." When you are excited, embarrassed or frightened, your body automatically releases certain chemicals. These chemicals stimulate your sweat glands and make them work double-time. As soon as you relax, or learn how to handle a given situation, the sweating will ease up.

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.