Nancy James Speaks on Teen Driving Safety

January 26, 2009 – Concord, MA — Nancy James, owner of the N. P. James Insurance Agency in Concord, addressed issues of teen driving safety early in January. The Concord/Carlisle Parents Initiative sponsored the panel.

James, who has been addressing parents of new drivers at CCHS for over two decades, began her customary remarks with what she calls "The School Bus Syndrome."

"Our children watch the whole world stop for school busses, and there might be a sense of right-of-way entitlement built up in those formative years," James said. "It is important to dispel that sense of entitlement because there is no room for error on our roadways, which, even to the most seasoned driver, can often seem like highway pandemonium."

James then added some important information and tips to both junior and senior drivers. 1.) Cell phone usage while driving is equivalent to a .08 blood alcohol level, with text messaging and use of any other type of hand-held device being even greater. 2.) Never say, "I'm sorry" at an accident scene. 3.) Cruise control causes hydroplaning on wet road surfaces. 4.) Insurance coverage is suspended if a car is used without permission.

Apologetic drivers are the most common determination of who was at fault in a collision, with junior operators and senior operators being most likely to be bullied into apologizing. James passed out the one-page fault guide, which, she explained, every adjuster uses for every insurer. She also reviewed costs for adding inexperienced operators to the insurance for parents anxious to know what sort of expenses are involved.

Regine Ryder moderated the CCPI panel, which included Courtland Booth, Director of Concord-Carlisle Adult & Community Education, currently overseeing the CCHS driving instruction program. Scott Camilleri for the Concord Police Department (Concord's School Safety Officer) reviewed the new Junior Operator Law, its requirements, and penalties. Also on the panel were advanced driving school founder, Dan Strollo from InControl, an AAA auto club representative, and a representative from the Massachusetts Brain Injury Association, each adding perspective and information for parents of new drivers. The group watched a powerful documentary of interviews of youthful drivers who suffered permanent injuries and disabilities because of their own carelessness behind the wheel. Questions and answers followed the presentations.

The N. P. James Insurance Agency of Concord, MA, founded in 1982, specializes in high technology exposure analysis and risks as well as home and auto insurance. James, a licensed insurance advisor, has served as co-president of the Massachusetts Society of Licensed Insurance Advisors. She is a member of The Boston Club, American Bar Association, and the Concord Chamber of Commerce. James also serves on a number of non-profit boards. For more information, please visit www.npjames.com or call 978-369-2771.