Teens and Safe Driving/Driving Contract (Agreement)

This page is all about making sure your teen is a safe driver and follows the laws of driving. I have seen parents allow their teen to do as they please all of the time. They were afraid of making their teen mad with them or hurting their feelings. When it comes time for that teen to drive they get to do as they please.

One day they have an accident and someone will get hurt or killed. Maybe there are some questions every parent of a teen who drives, or is about to drive, should have answers to.

* Do you allow your child or teen to do as they please?
* Does your child or teen get what they want when they want it?
* Do you restrict where your child goes or when they come home?
* Will your teen know what the laws and rules of driving are?
* Do you know who rides in the car with your teen?
* Do you think it's worth it to make your teen mad or hurt their feelings if what you make them do saves their life or the life of someone else?

So what are your answers to these questions? Well, guess what? These are the easy questions you should already have the answers to. Rules are a safety net for your children. A parent can be tough and tender at the same time. If a parent starts while a child is young, then the child learns that the parent loves them and is willing to do what is necessary to keep them safe. Good parenting begins when a child is born and never ends, no matter what.

Here are a few good tips that may help.
* Have dinner together as a complete family at least four days a week.
* Have family nights at home at least three nights a week.
* At least two nights a week, during family night, just sit and talk, and especially listen, with your child.
* At least one night a week, during family night, play games with your child or teen. (Yes I said teen, they will learn to love the time you take with them)

All of the above leads to good children, then good teens, finally good and safe teen drivers. Take the time to care about your teen and really search these websites and resources below to find what works best for your family.

The keys to Safe Driving

If you've been out on the roads, you know that not everyone drives well. Some people speed aggressively. Others wander into another lane because they aren't paying attention. Drivers may follow too closely, make sudden turns without signaling, or weave in and out of traffic.

Aggressive drivers are known road hazards, causing one third of all traffic crashes. But inattentive driving is becoming more of a problem as people "multi-task" by talking on the phone, eating, or even watching TV as they drive. We can't control the actions of other drivers. But learning defensive driving skills can help us avoid the dangers caused by other people's bad driving.

Skills That Put You in Control
Before you get behind the wheel of all that glass and steel, here are some tips to help you stay in control:

Stay focused. There are a lot of things to think about when driving: road conditions, your speed, observing traffic laws and signals, following directions, being aware of the cars around you, checking your mirrors - the list goes on. Staying focused on driving - and only driving - is key.

Distractions, like talking on the phone or eating, make a driver less able to see potential problems. It's not just teen drivers who are at fault: People who have been driving for a while can get overconfident in their driving knowledge and let their driving skills get sloppy. All drivers need to remind themselves to stay focused.

Stay alert. Being alert (not sleepy or under the influence) allows you to react quickly to potential problems - like when the driver in the car ahead slams on the brakes at the last minute. Obviously, alcohol or drugs (including prescription and over-the-counter drugs) affect a driver's reaction time and judgment. Driving while tired has the same effect and is one of the leading causes of accidents. So rest up before your road trip.

Watch out for the other guy. Part of staying in control is being aware of the drivers around you and what they may suddenly do so you're less likely to be caught off guard. For example, if a car speeds past you on the highway but there's not much space between the car and a slow-moving truck in the same lane, it's a pretty sure bet the driver will try to pull into your lane directly in front of you. Anticipating what another driver may do prepares you to react.

Seven Secrets of Super Driving
When you drive defensively, you're taking control of the situation and keeping your eyes open for aggressive or inattentive drivers who might cause an accident. Here are seven easy things you can do:

1. Think safety first. Avoiding aggressive and inattentive driving tendencies yourself will put you in a stronger position to deal with other people's bad driving. Leave plenty of space between you and the car in front. Always lock your doors and wear your seatbelt to protect you from being thrown from the car in a crash.

2. Be aware of your surroundings. Check your mirrors frequently and scan conditions far ahead of you. If a vehicle is showing signs of aggressive driving, slow down or pull over to avoid it. If the driver is driving so dangerously that you're worried, try to get off the road or highway by turning right or taking the next exit if it's safe to do so.

3. Assume the worst. Assume that drivers will run through red lights or stop signs and be prepared to react. While driving, imagine that other drivers (especially truck drivers) don't see you when you are making your way into their path. Also, keep an eye on pedestrians and pets along the road.

4. Stay cool, calm, and collected. It's best to avoid making eye contact with aggressive drivers. As hard as it can be, ignore any aggressive facial or hand gestures. And don't race aggressive drivers - you run the risk of inciting their road rage. Other drivers do stupid things. The best drivers don't get mad or try to get even.

5. Get the authorities involved. If you see an aggressive driver or trouble ahead, get to a safe place to pull over and call authorities or the police. Any information you can provide - a description of the vehicle, its license plate number, the direction it's going - will be helpful. Some areas allow you to use your cell phone to call the appropriate authorities with special numbers like #77. If an aggressive driver crashes or causes an accident, try to stop safely a good distance from the scene. Wait for the police to arrive so that you can tell them about the aggressive behavior you witnessed.

6. Don't drive if you are under the influence or very sleepy. Alcohol, illegal drugs, and some prescription medications affect a person's judgment, including the ability to make important braking and steering decisions on the road. That means you'll be less able to react quickly and drive defensively. Sleepy drivers can be just as bad as intoxicated drivers, so make frequent rest stops or let a friend drive if you're tired.

7. Don't take risks. When in doubt, don't pass. And keep a safe following distance. That way you can avoid a collision, stay in your lane, and not get rear-ended if the driver in front of you slams on the brakes. If you're interested in taking a full defensive driving course, contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles. All states keep a list of defensive driving courses that are approved by the state - even some that are online. They cost money, but some insurance companies give people who've taken the course a discount in insurance rates.

Happy (defensive) driving!

The above article was borrowed from http://www.kidshealth.org

Driving Contract (Agreement)

For the teen-ager:

I (___________________________________), do agree to the stipulations stated below regarding the privilege of driving a vehicle (whether it be my own, a friend's, a relative's, and/or my parents' vehicle(s)). If, at any time, I violate any part of said "Driving Contract," my driving privileges will be forfeited for a period of time as determined by law enforcement and/or by my parent(s)/guardian(s) signing below.

I will take and pass an appropriate driver-training course.

Before leaving on any driving trip, I will discuss with my parent(s)/guardian(s) where I'm going and when I'll be back.

I understand that my driving safely is not just protection for me, but also for every passenger in my car, and for everyone else on the road, including small children and babies on the sidewalks and in other vehicles. I understand that it's my responsibility to protect everyone. I understand that if I don't take driving seriously, I run the risk of seriously injuring or killing an innocent person or myself.

I will not speed -- particularly in school zones and/or in bad weather -- and I will obey all traffic laws (including curfews or other laws specific to my city or state). I will drive safely and defensively at all times, and I will not be a passenger in a vehicle that is being driven unsafely or illegally.

I will call -- at any time of the day or night -- a parent/guardian/friend/relative/law enforcement officer/taxi driver for help in getting home if -- for any reason -- I am not able to drive both safely and legally. The person called will come and get me immediately. If I call a taxi and cannot pay for it, my parent/guardian will pay for it. Making this intelligent and responsible phone call will NOT result in the loss of driving privileges or other punishment.

I know that the parent(s)/guardian(s) signing below will always love me and accept me -- even if I make a mistake. I also recognize that this love and acceptance requires one or both of them to suspend my driving privileges if either feels it is warranted.

I accept that the parent(s)/guardian(s) signing below have more experience than I do on the road, and so I will listen to and carefully consider the advice that I am given. If the parent(s)/guardian(s) signing below feel that more training on my part is required, I will immediately obtain more training.

I agree to pay the full cost of any traffic violation tickets, as well as the difference in the insurance premium for as long as the premium is in effect.

I agree to pay the full cost of all damages incurred that are not covered by insurance, as well as the difference in insurance premiums caused by the damages.

I will never consume alcohol, drugs or inhalants before driving or while driving -- nor will there be open containers of alcoholic beverages (mine or anyone else's), drugs or drug paraphernalia at any time in the vehicle.

I will not drive anyone else's vehicle, nor allow anyone to drive my vehicle, unless I have prior permission from my parents, or unless it's an emergency involving illness or injury. I will not loan my vehicle to any other person, unless I have prior permission from my parents.

I will never allow anyone who has been consuming alcoholic beverages, drugs or inhalants to drive a vehicle in which I'm a passenger.

I will always drive with my seat belt properly and securely fastened. I will never transport more passengers than I have seat belts. All seat belts will be in working order. All passengers will wear a seat belt, and all seat belts will be fastened properly and securely before the vehicle moves. If anyone refuses to buckle up, or unbuckles while I'm driving, I will stop the vehicle.

I will keep all vehicles I drive clean, inside and out, and in good working order. I will not be a driver or passenger in a vehicle that isn't safely maintained. I will wash and wax the vehicle _________________ times per month, and I will not bring my parent's vehicle(s) home without at least a half of a tank of gas.

I will not behave rudely in my vehicle or with my vehicle -- to other passengers, other drivers, law enforcement, or the parent(s)/guardian(s) signing below.

I will keep my eyes on the road at all times, and -- while driving -- I will not use my cell phone, change a CD, light a cigarette, read a map, put on makeup, fish in my purse, glove compartment or wallet (or engage in any other behavior not specified here that prevents me from devoting my full attention to the road).

I recognize that driving a vehicle is a privilege, not a right, and I also recognize that each parent/guardian signing below has individual veto power over my driving privileges for the duration of my life as a minor.

For the parent(s)/guardian(s):

I/We (______________________________________), do grant (__________________________) access to a vehicle as long as he/she obeys all stipulations noted above.

I/We agree to pick up (________________________________) at any time, from any place, if he/she is ever in a situation where he/she or another driver has consumed alcohol, inhalants, drugs or other illegal or inappropriate substance.

In order to set a good example, I/We agree to also obey all stipulations as noted above. (You might wish to add a consequence for the parents as well if rules are broken).

I/We have read the above agreement and agree to the stipulations.

Signed on this Date: ______________________________

_________________________________ Teen-ager

_________________________________ Parent and/or Guardian

_________________________________ Parent and/or Guardian

Websites on teens safe driving.

Online Traffic School
TicketRelief.com is your best choice for Online Traffic School in California, Florida and Texas. TicketRelief.com was established in 2004 in heart of San Diego, Ca, and has grown to become one of the Nation's leading traffic schools and defensive driving course on the Internet.
http://www.ticketrelief.com/

Teen Driving Information — Vehicle Resources
New drivers learn a lot by example, so practice safe driving. Teens who have crashes and violations often have parents with poor driving records. ...
http://www.progressive.com/rc/DrivingSafety/TeenDriving.aspx

Parents & Teen Driving Agreement parents and teen driving ...
A truly safe driver has had 1000 miles of driving experience in all conditions ... Selected Resources for Additional Information on Teen Driver Safety - top ...
http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/mcgtmpl.asp?url=/Content/PIO/teenDriving/resource.asp

Teen driving: Teen drinking driving, accident safety at CARFAX
Sign up for weekly safe driving tips and information to help your teen be a better, safer driver. It's FREE from CARFAX. View a sample tip now. ...
http://www.carfax.com/teen_driving/teen_safety_home.cfm

How's Your Teen's Driving? Would You Like to Know? - TELL-MY-MOM.COM
Utilizing this information, concerned parents can work with their teen to correct poor driving skills and reinforce safe driving behavior. ...
http://www.tell-my-mom.com/

Parent & Family Resources
Drive Home Safe, Written for parents and future teen drivers, this site provides ... education, and statistics on everything about safe teen driving. ...
http://www.washington.edu/admin/hr/benefits/worklife/teens/teenstable.html

Teendriving.com
TeenDirivng.com promotes safe driving for teens and new drivers and features hundreds of driving tips ... Webfoot driving information · The Drivers' Village ...
http://www.teendriving.com/links.htm

Driving - Driving Information for Teens - Teens and Driving ...
Drunk Driving Resources Resources and information sites about the devastating ... Everything a new driver needs to know, from safe driving techniques to ...
http://www.teenadvice.about.com/cs/driving/

Drive for Life... The National Safe Driving Test & Initiative
National Safe Driving Test and Initiative. Mason-Dixon national poll on risky ... premium discounts when teens complete driver-safety courses that include ...
http://www.safedrivingtest.com/teendrivers.html

New Teen Drivers
TeenDirivng.com promotes safe driving for teens and new drivers and is the ... finding an online driving course, buying a teen tracking system, buying, ...
http://www.teendriving.com/

Helping Your Teen Become a Safe Driver - AACAP Facts For Families # 76
... the car until the teen has logged a defined period of safe independent driving ... Teens should be encouraged to take an annual defensive driving course ...
http://www.aacap.org/publications/factsfam/76.htm

HELPING YOUR TEEN BECOME A SAFE DRIVER - Daycare.com
HELPING YOUR TEEN BECOME A SAFE DRIVER. A driver's license is one of the biggest ... Teens should be encouraged to take an annual defensive driving course ...
http://www.daycare.com/fastfacts/driving.html

Taggart's Driving School: Teen-Adult-DUI-Defensive Driving Traffic ...
DUI Traffic School Class, Defensive Driving Traffic School Class, Insurance Discount Class, Traffic Driving School Class Teen Driver Ed, Adult In-Car Lesson ...
http://www.taggartsdrivingschool.com/

Teen Driving Information. Parents and Teen Drivers
For parents and teen drivers. Education, statistics and instruction on safe driving. Also driver license resources.
http://www.drivehomesafe.com/

Automotive Driving Schools in the Yahoo! Directory
Take your driver's education online or order a home course. ... Provider of safe driving instruction, fleet monitoring, videos and training aids, ...
http://www.dir.yahoo.com/Business_and_Economy/Shopping_and_Services/Automotive/Driving_Schools/

Driver Training
Searching for driver training?Visit our driver training guide.
http://www.DriverTrainingDirectory.com

Online Teen Driving Courses, Teen Driver Training, Teen Defensive ...
Online Teen Driving Courses, Teen Driver Training, Teen Defensive Driving Courses, Teen Driver Training, Insurance Discount Point Reduction Courses, ...
http://www.usadrivesafe.com/trafficschool.asp

Guide to safe driving | Gannett News Service
Schools can put students on road to safe driving ... Good driving schools give a teen more than the minimum instruction state law may require. ...
http://www.gns.gannettonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060321/LIFEMOMENTS02/603210309

Defensive Driving Schools by Kent Pinkerton Troubled Teens ...
Defensive Driving Schools exist to build good, watchful, and safe drivers. Despite our basic driving skills, ... Submitted by: Kent Pinkerton Troubled Teens ...
http://www.searchwarp.com/swa37931.htm

Defensive Driving Online, Ticket Dismissal, Florida DMV Practice Tests
Florida online traffic school and defensive driving courses approved by ... Traffic School; No Points Course; Defensive Driving; Volunteer - Safe Driving ...
http://www.lowestpricetrafficschool.com/