7 yr old driver kills mother in Hampton VA
 

What a terrible accident!!!!

http://hamptonroads.com/2010/07/hamp...dered?cid=ltst

Stupid yes accident no. Did no one else in this boat realize the were heading straight fro a pier.
People that let kids drive a boat would never let them drive a car!! If it was a performance boat they also would have mentioned a high rate of speed. She payed for her mistake luckily no one else was killed.

That river is really no more than a congested creek with marinas/docks on both sides and a narrow channel. I've only been in the first 1 mile section of it and it's all no-wake......must have been further back where it's even smaller cause this "river" isn't very long at all.

These weekend tragedy's are all so unbelievable acts of irresponsibleness, most all could have been avoided. So many lives lost and changed over carelessness.

i hate that . i have had my own boat from the time i was 8 . but long time sitting on dads lap learning to drive . but i would not turn hunter a lose with it right now . but after this summer he will be able to drive but kids do need to learn to drive the in case something would happion to me or his mom same with our maxx's robbie

I occasionally let my 8 year old daughter steer our boat at idle speeds only. This is only when no other boats are around and at idle speed as we bring the boat into the marina. I am always standing right next to her with my kill switch tether in my hand, so if for any reason I can kill the boat immediately. In the case of that accident it sounds like they must have been moving at a pretty good clip. It is a shame becasue this kid now not only has to grow up without a mother, will always have a sense of guilt (even though you certainly cannot blame a 7 year old)

There's a time and a place for that. A crowded river is not the place.
Both my kids have driven a boat at that age. They've never hit anyone, or even caused anyone to give us a second look.

http://holton.smugmug.com/Family/200...08_gqh3i-M.jpg

http://holton.smugmug.com/Family/200...42_rZBC6-M.jpg

These are the memories they hold on to forever.