Unfortunately, teenagers often feel immortal. They are young and full of energy and love of life. Sometimes teenagers take REALLY STUPID risks, like driving at high speeds or driving after drinking.
We make this worse because modern city life keeps us shielded from death. Often, a teenager will not know anyone who has died.
It can be a lifesaving insight to realize one is mortal.
One of the best ways to teach at-risk young people of their mortality is to take them on a tour of the coroner's office, including the morgue. A first hand look at a body pulled from a car wreak can be more effective than a thousand lectures.
It is sad that the Santa Clara County program set up to take young people on these lifesaving tours has been cancelled due to lack of funds. The price now being charge for a tour of the coroner's office makes these tours too expensive for the non-profit groups organizing teen tours.
My friend says that most Californians think they are immortal, so maybe the coroner's tours need to be expanded for all persons arrested for first time drunk driving.
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