In the driver’s seat

Car giveaway aims to make teens safer behind the wheel

By Leslie Moriarty

Herald Writer

SNOHOMISH — If you’re looking for Snohomish High School senior Eric Skou, he’s probably out driving his new car.

All he has to do to keep the red sports car he won is drive safely for the next year.

Skou, 17, was among five student finalists in a drawing for the car. During halftime of the Snohomish homecoming football game Friday, one by one they tried their luck at setting off the alarm on the 2001 Ford Mustang — the signal that the car was theirs.

The first three had no luck. But then it was Skou’s turn, and his remote set off the alarm.

"I couldn’t believe it," he said.

The car giveaway is an attempt to encourage safe driving by high school students. Bickford Ford of Snohomish and hydroplane racing legend Chip Hanauer sponsored the contest.

The rules to enter weren’t simple. Seniors must have been driving for one year and not had any accidents, tickets or criminal convictions, or used alcohol or drugs. Students had to get their parents’ permission to enter.

If the winning student has more than one moving violation, any serious traffic violation, is known to use drugs or alcohol, or is convicted of a crime during the year that the student gets the car, it will be taken back and the runner-up steps in.

Skou said he’s a good driver. He’s been driving for about 1 1/2years, "and I haven’t ever been pulled over."

As part of the contest, and with the help of local merchants, Skou also gets $1,500 to help pay for insurance and car maintenance.

This is the first year for the car promotion.

"It’s just a way to promote safe driving and making safe choices behind the wheel," said Ron Chapin, Bickford Motors spokesman.

As a part of the program, Hanauer and Chapin have spoken to students at Snohomish High School and other schools about safe driving.

The high school staff, principal, the Snohomish School Board and local PTAs endorsed the program. All parents were mailed information about it. Local law enforcement officials and civic leaders also participated.

Chapin said those who put this project together wanted to make it fair to all seniors, including those who may have financial constraints. That’s why they added the monetary award. And they decided not to set any grade requirements.

"It may be that C student who is the safest driver out there," Chapin said. "That student should be allowed to participate, too."

Skou describes himself as a B student who likes school, especially Spanish, metal shop, physical education and English. He also likes to play basketball.

Skou said he still plans to keep his 1992 Toyota pickup insured and may drive it on occasion. The only thing he hasn’t figured out yet is an excuse to give his younger sister.

"She keeps wanting me to drive her and all her friends to the mall," he said.

You can call Herald Writer Leslie Moriarty at 425-339-3436

or send e-mail to moriarty@heraldnet.com.

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