Reply #10: Hey Cally! [View All]

[Hell Hath No Fury]

Between everyone who would be taking the wheel, how long have each been driving? Have any of them had experience doing the long haul rode trip? Experience with driving in bad weather? Have you talked to the other parents and found out what their thoughts are on this? I think you are very right to be concerned. I don't have children, but I played one on TV. :) I remember 16, and remember what I was capable of doing (good and bad).

This sentence in your post leaps out at me:

"I would have been furious at my own parents if they were concerned about this, but I'm worried about four beautiful young women travelling alone without enough understanding of personal safety."

When you and your husband were doing road trips at that same age, the world was NOTHING like what your daughter and her friends are dealing with now. With headlines filled with stories like the Sund's, people being kidnapped from their cars, and other damn scary happenings, you are not being unreasonable is questioning whether a roadtrip would be wise for your daughter.

If you decide to let your daughter go, may I suggest that all the parents get together with the girls and have a casual meeting about the trip. Talk about rest stops, how the girls would handle a road emergency (flat tire, running out of gas) how often you want road calls from them letting you know their status, and generally what you expect of them during this trip. (My own Mom did this when I went to Europe at 19.) I would also make sure there is a fully stocked emergency kit in the trunk and that they all know how to use each and every item. And that someone carry a roadside service card.

They will roll their eyes and only half listen, but it may be enough should something happen to them on the road.

This is gonna be a tough decision -- good luck!

Hell