As a parent, you'd do anything — ANYTHING — to prevent
your child from dying in a car wreck. Right? Of course you would!
So are you doing all you can?
Teaching your child to be safe on the road is your job. Your teen will listen if you talk with him about safe-driving habits and gradually phase-in their driving privileges. Do you doubt it? Scientific research shows that 60 percent of high school students say their parents are the biggest influence on their driving. Young drivers whose parents talk with them about drunk driving, seatbelt use and speed control are less likely to be killed or hurt in a car crash.
So talk! They'll listen.
Spend just 5 minutes a week on direct conversation about specific driving habits and practices. Set clear limitations and restrictions on your teen's driving. (Check out the related article titled, “A tool for parents: phased-in privileges.”) Start these conversations before your child ever gets their license or permit, and keep it up all the time. If you are getting a late start — if your teen has already been driving for a while — you may have to make up for lost time with more frequent, intensive discussions to undo any bad habits. So start today.
PARENTS: It's Up to You.
Only you can set limits on your teen to avoid life-risking behavior. Before you give your teen the keys to the car, give them three keys to staying alive.
SOBRIETY - SEATBELTS - SPEED LIMITS.
It only takes 5 minutes a week to potentially safe your teen's life.
Teenagers don't come with an owner's manual for parents. It's up to you to figure out ways to keep your young driver safe. That's what the DRIVE Alive resources are all about. There are guidelines and smart restrictions you can use to help your young driver adopt safe habits and a cautious mindset toward driving. Get the conversation started about safe driving with your teen today.
Want something a little more tangible for your teen?
Click here for our printable contract.
This contract is adapted from one produced by the National Safety Council,
a membership organization dedicated to protecting life and promoting health.
Click here for our printable contract.
This contract is adapted from one produced by the National Safety Council,
a membership organization dedicated to protecting life and promoting health.