Car in texting fatal crash on display at state capitol

by Mark Horner

“I’m getting chills as I read this.”

Those words this morning from one passerby as she paused to look at a mangled car and read the story on a nearby poster.

The car was driven by 19-year-old Heather Lerch earlier this year.  Her parents say Heather was texting when the vehicle left the road and struck a guardrail, killing the young woman instantly.  The February 23rd crash unfolded shortly before 10:30pm on Littlerock Road in Thurston County.

The vehicle is one of numerous displays on the plaza of the Capitol Campus in Olympia today where Public Service Recognition Week is being recognized.

The Department of Licensing recently produced two videos about Heather’s story.  A new state law concerning cell phones takes effect June 10.  The law makes texting while driving a primary offense.  It also makes using a hand-held cell for phone calls while driving a primary offense.

Parents reminded to monitor teen driving during National Teen Driving Week

by Selena Davis

The Department of Licensing is encouraging parents of teen drivers to be actively involved in their teen’s progression of driving skills, and gradually increase driving privileges as teens gain experience.

“Car crashes are the biggest killer of our nation’s teens, and they are at highest risk in their first year of driving,” DOL Director Liz Luce said. “If parents set limits and guidelines for their teens and gradually introduce more driving privileges as their skills improve, parents can greatly reduce the risk for their teen.”

Washington adopted an intermediate license program in 2001. It imposes several restrictions for drivers under the age of 18 during … (read more).