For Parents

The Graduated License program has helped reduce the number of teenage fatalities; here are some restrictions you could add to keep your teen driver from being a statistic…

• Don't rely solely on driver education. High school driver education may be the most convenient way to learn driving skills, but it doesn't always produce safer drivers. Parents have to set good examples when they drive while reinforcing the lessons their teens learned in school.

• Reduce the number of passengers your teen driver is allowed to drive with, studies have shown that carrying one teenage passenger can double the fatal crash rate.

• Set limits on the amount of late night driving

• Spend more time riding with your versus your teen driver driving by themselves

• Limit the number of distractions during the first few years of driving- interactions with cell phones, iPods, radio/CD, eating while driving, and teen passengers.

• Help select a safe vehicle for your teen driver.

Things to Keep in Mind

• Have a ZERO TOLERANCE rule on seat belt usage-everyone in the car must be wearing a seatbelt 100% of the time.

• Limit night time driving even during summer months- Memorial Day and Labor Day is a deadly time for teen drivers.

• Limit the amount of passengers allowed in the car.

• Gradually extend driving privileges, as the teen driver shows an increase in driver awareness and maturity.

• Have ZERO TOLERANCE for Driving under the influence of Alcohol- create a contract with your teen driver stating that they promise not to Drink and Drive or ride with anyone who is under the influence of alcohol. Visit Dr. Wisely’s Driving Contract to find a printable contract for your teen.

• REMEMBER fatigue can be just as fatal as driving under the influence; restrict your teen driver from driving while they are tired.

• Review vehicle safety ratings when searching for a vehicle for your teen driver. Teenagers should drive vehicles that reduce their chances of a crash and offer protection in case they do crash. For example, small cars don't offer the best protection in a crash. Avoid cars with performance images that might encourage speeding. Also, be mindful that certain vehicles with a higher center of gravity may be more prone to roll over.

• Watch for warning signs of poor decision making while driving such as speeding violations, DUIs, minor crashes, etc.

Click here for a Parents of Teen Driver Brochure (Adobe PDF)

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For more information about the PART Safety Program
email Philw@partnc.org