Q: I have a best friend who is allowed to drive her parents’ car to school every day. She is allowed to pick up one friend and drive them to school, too. She picks me up nearly every day, which I don’t mind because I can sleep in a little bit longer and don’t have to ride the school bus. The problem is that she often picks up two or three kids, plus she is always text-messaging or talking on the phone while she is driving. I know this is not safe, and I know her parents would take the car away from her if they found out she was doing these things. How should I handle this? Should I just tell her to stop, or should I tell her parents?Our other friends (that she picks up) don’t seem to mind, and told me if I say anything that we’ll all just get stuck riding the bus again. What do you think I should do?

Jennifer, Cheektowaga

Mom: Get back on the big yellow cheese wagon, ASAP! Anyone who so blatantly disregards (a) their parents’ wishes, (b) their friends’ safety, (c) their own life and (d) the law is NOT a friend you want to have. At least not as a chauffeur.

Tay: I am currently going though my 13th year of school bus riding. Are there times when I’m out in the pouring rain when the bus is 10 minutes late or getting home at 5 p. m. because the late bus goes from one end of Lancaster to the other? Yes. Should that overpower a concern for safety? Heck no. I would bring this up to your friend first and if she refuses to change, then tell her parents, even if it’s through something like a letter. It’s important that you watch out for your friend, but your welfare comes first, so make sure you do all of this while taking the safe way to school.

My Two Cents is written by Taylor Watson, a senior at Lancaster High School, and her mother, Deb Skok Watson, a school counselor/social worker at Hopevale School District. To get your questions answered, e-mail

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