Generation PRX

YEB Spotlight Piece: Teens Grapple with New Driving Law by ATMI

Teens Grapple with New Driving Law

Review by Minnie B.

Zager's segment on the new provisional driving license is a very newsy, informative story. The story, however, takes a typical teenage-centered perspective, such as why the provisional driving license is more of an obstruction than a reasonable measure to reduce accidents.

The lead-in narration is far too long. For nearly 1:30, listeners
hear a single voice, Zager's, set up the rest of the story. Then, an interview from a girl who was caught driving her friend follows. An interview with a police officer follows, though the volume on this interview was surprisingly soft.

Zager's own mother is weaved into the story as a concerned parent of a new driver. This personal touch adds a lot to the segment itself. Parents are overwhelmingly concerned about their children's driving habits and whether they are following the law. Sue Zager's authoritative tone is in striking contrast to the soft-voiced police officer preceding her; parents, besides authoritative figures, are also laying down the law with their young drivers.

Near the end of the segment, Zager changes the teen-centered
perspective on the new law by having the segment end with a police officer's perspective on the usefulness and necessity of the law regarding provisional driving licenses.

An excellent, informative segment with great interviews! The piece
lacked definitive scenes and sounds, such as the sound of cars starting. Another wonderful segment by ATMI!