Dear Abby: I have noticed that the majority of automobile commercials on TV today show speeding cars. One in particular shows two ladies in sport utility vehicles racing over curbs and bumps to win a race to a parking place. This is portrayed as something good and fun you can do when you drive a brand-new SUV. Another commercial portrays someone leaving his workplace and racing down a twisting road to unwind. On and on it goes with advertised cars speeding across the screen.
These commercials, and many others like them, imply that the better car is the "faster" car, and that it's cool and enjoyable to drive in this manner.
Abby, what is this teaching new drivers? Don't these commercials promote reckless driving? — Valerie S. Rivard, Mancelona, Mich.
Dear Valerie: Mature drivers (of any age) realize that obeying the speed limit is the best way to promote wreck-less driving. While it's obvious the advertisers are implying that speed is desirable and thrilling, I agree that an unintended subliminal message is that reckless driving is acceptable. That's dangerous and irresponsible.
Dear Abby: On June 1, 1999, my son died of an overdose. We went to visit relatives over Memorial Day weekend. He found a box of outdated prescription drugs while we were there.
Abby, he was only 18 years old. I hope you will share my letter with the public. He had made three suicide attempts prior. People told me it was all for attention.
Parents, take your sad teenager seriously or you'll end up like me . . . A Brokenhearted Mother in S.F.
Brokenhearted Mother: Please accept my condolences for the loss of your son. If there is one lesson to be learned from your letter, it's that a suicide attempt is NOT a bid for attention — it's a cry for help. And that means professional help. In most communities it's as near as the telephone, in the form of a suicide or crisis hotline.
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