DEAR ABBY: One of my relatives' driver's license was suspended, and she has little hope of getting it back. This person drives on a regular basis, as much if not more often than I do, usually with her children.
My problem is she offers rides to my children. I refuse her offers because I'm not comfortable with her driving them under these circumstances.
This has created tension because she doesn't view her driving as a problem. I have not explained the circumstances to my children because I don't think they'd understand the legal issues.
Could you please tell me what would happen to my children if they were with her and she was pulled over? -- UNDER PRESSURE OUT EAST
DEAR UNDER PRESSURE: According to my local police department, if your children are in the car when your relative is stopped, the police will try to contact you by phone. If they're unable to locate you or the children's father, your children would then be taken to the police department. If you are still unreachable, child protective services would be called.
It is your responsibility as a mother to ensure your children's safety -- and in this case that means you should NEVER allow them in a vehicle with a driver whose license has been suspended. As to their being too young to understand, if they don't understand the phrase "because you could be badly hurt," then "because I'm your mother and I SAID so!" will have to suffice.