Sheriff Page stresses teaching youth about responsibilities as a licensed driver

White County Sheriff Steve Page

White County Sheriff Steve Page wants to stress the importance of teaching young drivers the caution they need to have on the road.

Sheriff Page also stressed the importance of parents to educate their youth as they get behind the wheel on how to conduct themselves during an accident or other serious events.

He wanted to share a message for both parents and youth as they take to the road. For the young drivers, he wants to stress caution on the road and responsibility when an accident occurs.

“You stop for anything [that happens],” Sheriff Page said. “Do whatever you can - do your best to do the right thing. Even if you’re too scared to get out, make sure you call 911. That could save somebody’s life.”

Since there is no drivers’ education now, Sheriff Page also stresses the importance of a parent’s role in getting their child ready for the road. He does not want a young teenager to get behind the wheel with little idea of what to do if an accident occurs. Sheriff Page knows accidents can happen, and he knows that those can really scare a young driver. He still expects, however, for them to at least be equipped as best they can to react to a bad scenario thanks to their parents’ guidance.

“With no Drivers Ed, it’s up to parents to teach those kids,” he said. “You have got to teach your kids to be a responsible driver. Even the little things, like what to do in an accident because they may not know.”

Sheriff Page wants both the young drivers and others on the road to be safe, and he thinks that parents helping their children as they start out is one of the best solutions. Getting a license or permit can teach them the basic laws, but accidents can confuse a young person. Sheriff Page calls on parents to help teach the youth how to respond to an accident, call 911, and do their best to stay out of trouble, and he calls on young drivers to do their best and be responsible on the road.