Thomas Hunter calls them his babies. They are the fresh-faced teenagers who are trying to look nonchalant but nevertheless just look nervous. These kids, some who have just passed the 14 1/2 year mark, are just finishing the first part of the driver's education program, which is the in-class instruction.

Next, these babies will go on the road. Hunter, of the Jordan Driving School, will bravely sit on the passenger side, foot ready to step on his special brake, hand ready to help guide the steering wheel while these children tackle first the school parking lot and eventually the local highways.

Just as the kids are nervous, so am I. Two of my own babies are in that class. And although I have been through it once before, it isn't any easier this time. I know it's a right of passage for most teens. I know that driving is an important skill and that having my kids learn while under my guidance and supervision can help ensure that they will become responsible drivers.

At least, that's my hope. But I read the newspaper. I hear the news. I know that driver's education isn't enough to keep my babies safe. I know that experience is invaluable. I know that always using seat belts and never drinking, texting or driving while distracted is key.

I know there's still more needed to keep my babies safe.

My mother used to tell my teenaged self that it wasn't me she was worried about when I headed out the door. It was all those other people.

"Great, Mom," I would think to myself, certain that this was yet another maternal attempt to instill caution through guilt.

But now, I understand.

Although we are unfortunate enough to have tragic automobile crashes frequently in our area, several recent events have been particularly heartbreaking. In one, police say a tractor-trailer driver crashed into four vehicles in Interstate 40 near U.S. 15-501, killing three people. The driver faces felony charges and is also charged with driving while impaired. Merely days later, a driver going the wrong way on U.S. 64 at about 100 miles per hour crashed into a car filled with teenagers. The wrong way driver and a passenger from the other car died.

In spite of hearing these stories, as much as I would love to wrap my angels in a cocoon to keep them safe for the next 20 years, I've been told that this idea is impractical and possibly illegal. With trepidation, I'm encouraging my babies to take one more step toward adulthood. After a great deal of preparation, along with an equal amount of caution and prayers, I'm going to eventually send my angels out on the road.

And now, some 30 years later, I have to admit it: Mom was right. It often is those other people out there that I will worry about. Take you, for instance. Will you impatiently swerve around my son as he creeps down Cary Parkway? Will you honk at him when he, holding his breath, attempts to merge onto U.S. 1? Will you block him when he belatedly realizes that the right lane is ending?

Sure, my boys have a lot to learn about driving, but while they - and all of their classmates here and throughout the area - are learning, could you help look out for them?