L.A. DRVNGBook NowA heartbreaking tragedy occurred last Memorial Day: a father lost his life while teaching his 15-year-old daughter to drive in a parking lot in Laguna Beach. She accidentally pressed the gas instead of the brake, sending the car over a 40-foot cliff. He was killed instantly. She survived — but with trauma no teenager should have to carry.
This isn't an isolated event. In 2008, a 15-year-old in New Jersey mistook the gas for the brake and fatally struck her own mother. In 2011, a teen in New York accidentally killed a 9-year-old on a bicycle. In 2014, two teens died when a student driver pulled into traffic during a lesson.
Every one of those families had the best intentions. But intention alone isn't enough. Without the right training, structure, and safety equipment, a single moment of confusion can become a lifelong tragedy.
My vehicle has dual control pedals — including a brake on my side — so I can intervene instantly if needed. I've also been professionally trained to assess when a student is ready for each new challenge. These early lessons shape habits, awareness, and confidence that stay with a driver for life.
If your child is about to start driving, please consider working with a licensed instructor. It's not just about passing the test — it's about protecting everyone on the road.
