Driving Contracts
Parents and young
drivers both benefit from a driving contract that outlines what
each expects of the other. Young drivers are well-served with
limits initially placed on their driving that help them gain car
control and driving safety strategies at low risk times, such as
during the day when the roads are clear and in good
weather.
When you’re
developing a Driving Contract with your young driver, think about
the following points:
Rules of
the Road
Make
sure your young driver ALWAYS wears their seatbelt, and that every
other person in the car does as well. Your young driver should be
very aware that if (and when that driver can have any passengers at
all) there are more passengers than seatbelts, someone has to find
another way to get there.
Your
young driver knows alcohol is illegal under 21. They should never
get in a car with a driver who has been drinking or taking drugs,
and you can reinforce this by agreeing to always give them a “free,
no hassle” ride home if they call you and tell you they need your
help.
Rules of the road include
appropriate and safe speed, following distance and road etiquette.
Adherence to these “rules” are mandatory, not optional or
negotiable.
Accountability
Your young driver
should ask for permission each and every time they are taking the
car out. You should know where they are going, who they are going
with, and when they’ll be back.
Using the
Car
Agree
upon what kind of behavior is acceptable. Think about limiting the
number of passengers, whether the radio/cd player can be used, when
a cell phone can be used (only when the car is completely stopped
out of traffic is reasonable), what time of day and in what weather
conditions your young driver can use the car, and importantly, what
the consequences are if any of the agreements are broken.
Young drivers
should also gain a basic understanding of car care, and be
responsible for checking fluid levels, air pressure, etc. on a
regular basis.
Develop a contract that is for a
pre-determined period of time. Then, after that period, take time
to review with your young driver their experiences during that
time, and evaluate whether you can expand their privileges.
Take
some time to review the recommended "checkpoints" in the
downloadable Driving Contract. It may be too aggressive for your
own young driver, in which case you should extend the limits on
other teens as passengers, the road types and weather conditions
until you feel their skills can safely meet these challenges.
Again, review their progress regularly, make sure they are
following the “rules”, and reward them with praise when they are
improving as safe, smart drivers.
Click here to download our recommended driving contract for
you and your young driver.
