I'm taking a break from the fun behind the scenes stories to allow discussion about our involvement in the "Every 15 Minutes" program as seen here. I will get back to much more light-hearted topics, but please allow me this moment to express some serious thoughts.

The past couple of years were especially difficult for the students of Casa Grande High School in Petaluma, California, the location of this year's event. In the past two years, they have lost an unusually high number of students to road accidents, the most recent being right before Christmas of last year. It was with great reservation (as well as some controversy) that they took part in the program. I want to commend those teachers, administrators, parents and students for being brave enough to face these types of tragedies.

The program's intent is to teach about drinking and driving, but I've always felt it's about responsibility. When I was learning to drive, my father forced the point that I was taking on an awesome responsibility getting behind the wheel of a car. It is not a toy-in the wrong hands, it is a weapon. As we worked on this program, stories of our past experiences kept coming up. It seemed everyone could relate a dangerous experience or near miss. I didn't always heed my father's words and I did some really stupid things...fortunately, I never hurt anyone. George Lucas himself was involved in a life-threatening auto accident that changed his life and direction. I hope nobody ever has to go through that to get the point.

These are not simply issues kids deal with-I see a lot of irresponsibility with adults. However, as a parent, I think the worst pain that I could endure is to see my child lying injured or dead.

For those of you just starting out or learning to drive, be safe. For you older drivers...you really should know better.

Please be responsible in all aspects of your life.