by Joanne Robbins

Created on: February 23, 2007

As a widow with teenage daughters my household is overwhelmed with hormones and riddled with unexpected obstacles.

Aside from the obvious difficulties of feeding, clothing and emotional support, it was suddenly even more important that I do whatever possible to ensure the safety of my teenagers.

Earlier on they would ride the bus to school and kind parents drove them from one place to another safely delivering them to our door at the agreed upon hour. But then they got their "driving license" and overnight our lives changed. No longer were they dependent upon the kindness of friends and relatives. Suddenly, there was a world they couldn't wait to explore, learn, feel, touch, and experience! They had a need not satisfied by renting a video or ordering pizza. Their world now consisted of "anywhere but home."

As their mother, I felt an immediate fear for their safety. Teenage drivers have been the subject of many graphic safety programs, automobile studies, insurance company studies - and the subject of many a parent suffering sleepless nights of worry.

While waiting for an oil change I chatted with Sandy - who happens to be married to the mechanic. Sandy also drives a bus for the school and is state certified to give the tests for obtaining the "driving license." Who better to recommend AAA road service than my local auto service establishment?

You would not believe the piece-of-mind I found with a simple telephone call. As it happened, Sandy has kids a little older than mine. She recommended AAA road service for the very same reasons that I have found it a life saver. Perhaps it is a different situation if there is a mother and father worrying - but in this case it is just mom. With AAA road service I was able to let go (a little) because they both had a cell phone and they both had their AAA card in the car.

This is a very affordable solution. Less than $50 a month provides road service for both of my teenage drivers. It doesn't matter to AAA if it is 2:00 in the afternoon or midnight. When my oldest experienced her first winter driving - AAA was there several times and when my own car had battery trouble - AAA was there again.

If you are contemplating a teenage driver or looking for additional peace-of-mind, don't overlook the obvious and sign-up for road service through AAA. You will not be sorry.

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