Bredesen to record teen driving messages

Four separate accidents killed 16 Tennessee teenagers since Feb. 29. In Millington, a 15-year-old driver with a learner’s permit killed himself and six passengers when the car went airborne and hit a tree. Four teenagers died in a head-on collision in Portland, two died when their truck ran off a road in Montgomery County and three more were killed when their vehicle hit a tree in Marshall County.

Bredesen said the fatal accidents “really bothered” him.

“We’ve had 200 deaths of young people (in automobiles) in the last year. It’s something which I want them to remember, that they are human and they are vulnerable,” he said

Bredesen, who will appear in the spots, said he was to tape the 30-second announcement Thursday. They are to be distributed to radio and television stations this week just before prom season begins. The campaign includes sending e-mails to school superintendents reminding them to emphasize the point.

“Life is not infinite, and you can do something awfully stupid when you’re not thinking on prom night or out there with your friends that can affect you and your friends forever,” he said. “A stupid mistake or lack of attention can have very, very far reaching consequences.”