Parents and Teen Driving Agreement

1. Before your teen gets in the car with another teen

Questions to ask:: Who is the driver?; How old is the driver?; How long has s/he been driving?; What make of car will s/he drive?; How long has s/he been driving the car your child will ride in?; Is the route the driver is taking to the destination the safest one?
Reminder to give:: Call if you think you'll be late.; Don't rush to make curfew.; Don't get in a car if you feel the driver is unsafe.; Call a trusted adult for a ride back home.; A car accident is the #1 cause of death for teens.; The driver does not have to be drunk or drugged to have an accident - inexperience and immaturity play a huge role.

2. Before you let your teen drive others

Make sure your teen has driven alone for 6 to 12 months after the provisional licence.
Make sure your teen has had exposure to different driving conditions including nightime, inclement weather, beltway, country roads, etc.
Make sure your teen can recognize and will take the safest route.
Make sure your teen will not to speed under any circumstances.
Make sure your teen will avoid cell phones while driving.
Make sure your teen will call a trusted adult if s/he feels his I her driving is impaired
Make sure your teen doesn't drive between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. for the first 6 months of the provisional licence.
Stress the importance of being cautious; When you drive another person you have a life in your hands.

3. Recognizing safe drivers

A truly safe driver has had 1000 miles of driving experience in all conditions, including nightime and inclement weather.
A safe driver doesn't speed.
A safe driver doesn't drink and drive.
A safe driver wears his seatbelt.
A safe driver doesn't break the law.
A safe driver avoids talking on the phone while driving.
A safe driver selects the safer route.
A safe driver avoids dangerous situations.

Remember: The legal driving age is 18. You don't have to let your teen drive if s/he isn't ready!
(Tips based on science and compiled by Arturo Betancourt, MD, bereaved father of Alicia)

4. Selected Resources for Additional Information on Teen Driver Safety

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
100 N. Glebe Road, Suite 800
Arlington, VA 22201
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
400 7th Street, SW
Washington, DC 20590
National Safety Council
1121 Spring Rake Drive
Itasca, IL 60143-3201
National Transportation safety Board
490 L'Enfant Plaza, SW
Washington, DC 20594
Rookie Driver ()
Parents of Young Drivers ()