Every parent with P-plate teenagers - of which I am one - were reminded of their own worst fears on Sunday with the death of 17-year-old Kylie Poyner, and the severe injuries sustained by the three teenage passengers in the car with Kylie.

Just about every adult I’ve spoken to in the past few days is asking the same question: “How do you stop them from thinking they are invincible?”

We ask the question secretly knowing that most of us were also guilty of speeding when we first learnt to drive, also believing that we were ‘good’ drivers, often held up on the roads by old fogies who pottered along at the speed limit or under it.

It’s easy to be wiser when you are older and have had many years’ driving experience, and often first hand experience of how scary it is to lose even a little bit of control in your car, or to have that first little accident.

I cannot begin to contemplate what Kylie’s parents and brothers are going through right now.

And I can’t imagine what it’s like for the parents of those kids in Canberra Hospital, with at least one of them facing a lifetime of disability as a result of Sunday’s horrific crash.

I am sustained by the coming together of the Far South coast community who are very protective of their children.

I would like it known that at the Eden Magnet we will not be hounding the families or friends of the crash victims, nor have we done so this week.

I do extend an invitation to anyone in the community who would like to share their thoughts and condolences at this profoundly sad time.

We will share your thoughts with the wider community.

Our heartfelt prayers and sympathy go to all the families of the crash victims.

Amanda Stroud

Managing editor