If my teen were texting and driving, I would ...

Q Regarding a teen’s poor driving as she was texting in Willow Glen and ran a stop sign: If I as a parent became aware of this behavior, this is what I would do. I would have her research the fines for running a stop sign, and texting while driving. Then I would have her earn that amount and give that money to her favorite charity. I think a tight timeline would be appropriate. Also having her research the possible increase in insurance might be additional incentive. — Mimi Melvin, Palo Alto

A This is about the girl driving a vehicle with plate frames from Presentation High School. She was going too fast, texting, and blew a stop sign. Mimi’s plan could cost the texter several hundred bucks. Here is how other parents say they would deal with her.

Q If I were the parent of that texting daughter I would be screaming to get the fine raised for texting while driving. That is of course after we, the parents, take her license away. But alas, the wireless industries will make sure that never happens. Wait a minute. Let her keep her license but lose the phone. — William Ortendahl, Santa Clara

A For how long? A year, maybe?

Q

My own teenagers always told me when they were in the first year of their license that all of their friends were driving other teens around and why couldn’t they do the same thing? I explained to them that, number one, it is against the law. For each additional person riding in a vehicle, statistics show the driver is 20 percent distracted. Teenagers are turning up the radio, talking, and often conversing on their cellphones, which is a huge distraction to the driver of the vehicle.

In addition, parents should know that when they sign the DL44 form at the DMV if their son or daughter is a minor, they are accepting responsibility for the actions of their student driver. I always remind parents they are liable for their student driver following the rules and regulations of the Department of Motor Vehicles. If a newly licensed driver is driving friends around and something illegal occurs, the parent’s assets could be in jeopardy. Parents often do not consider the consequences of not following the rules of the road. — Don Meyer, Economic Driving School

A Parents, pay attention.

Q Thanks to your wisdom and influence there are two young adults on the streets who are courteous and respectful drivers. During the teenage years, I am certain they got a bit tired of my “Mr. Roadshow says” litany but they did listen and learn. — Carole Paquett, San Jose

A Listen and learn — and stay off the phone while behind the wheel.