Just before 9 a.m., Monday July 22, I nearly hit a young woman driver.

She sped through the red light at the intersection of 4th Ave. S.W. and S.W. 146th, just as I was ready to turn left on the green light at the same intersection. Fortunately for her and her two passengers, I saw her peripherally and was able to stop my turn--but I certainly blasted my horn. She and possibly her front seat passenger would have been killed if I had hit her -- my car is a Volvo, she had a much smaller, lighter car.

She didn't look around and continued until she turned left into the Burien Community Center Annex buildings on 4th S.W. I followed her into the parking lot and told her that she was almost killed because of her inattention. I was shaking so hard that I had difficulty getting the words out.

I suspect the young woman did not have a valid license and should not have been driving with other young adults. I think the third young woman (in the back seat) was the person responsible for letting her drive, because she took over the car when the other two went into the building.

After giving the driver a piece of my mind, I went to get gas for my car, still shaking. It is difficult, even now, to write this letter because I know the damage that could have been done to three young adults and myself.

My plea is to the parents of young drivers. Please let them know that a car is a dangerous weapon and inattention to the task of driving is the ammunition that causes accidents. Driving carefully and responsibly is what keeps us all alive alive.

Neighbors, let the parents of young drivers know how their young adults are doing--thumbs up or down. We all need to join this conversation to help keep our streets safe.

Elizabeth M. Williams
Seahurst