Lifetime driving ban on 17 y-o

CRANSTON, Rhode Island (AP):A Rhode Island judge says he imposed a lifetime driving ban on a 17 year-old boy after a serious car accident because he wanted to send a message about reckless driving.

Judge William Guglietta revoked Lyle Topa's license for the rest of his life on Tuesday in connection with the October 23, 2011, crash in Charlestown. Topa and three other Chariho High School students were injured when their car crashed into a tree. One passenger was in a coma for weeks.

Guglietta said Thursday that Rhode Island's roads are "littered with broken dreams and broken futures" and it's time for authorities to get serious about dangerous driving.

Topa's lawyer says the penalty is too harsh and may be improper. The teen can apply to the court to get his licence back.