Thursday Thirteen #24

Thirteen Things about Lisa13 things to make teen drivers safeIn light of the deaths of 3 teens and a young ladythis week, I am looking for ways to makemy kids more safe in the car. Here is the news story. 1. Set an example for them. Don't speed, don't use your cell phone while driving, keep the music at a reasonable level. Things you want them to do. 2. Start them out with little privileges and gradually add them. No night driving at first, no friends in the car,etc. 3. Make them responsible for things. Have them pay for the vehicle, not to own it, but to want to take care of it. They should be paying their insurance, gas, some upkeep,etc, so they want to take care of things. Better grades means less insurance out of their pockets! 4. No passengers for 6 months. I, personally, did not do this. My first, and only so far, driver is really responsible, and we let him drive his siblings, and moved to friends one at a time. His siblings reported him to be very conscientious and safe. 5. No nighttime driving for at least 6 months. Teen's crash risk goes up at night. Start them with a curfew, 9:30 for a few months, then 10, etc. 6. Don't let them have their own car. If they use the family car parents still have control of the vehicle, making it easier to decide on the conditions of use: seat belt, cell phone, etc. 7. Teach them to be aware of their surroundings. They need to be looking beyond the car in front of them. They need time to react, at 16 they take longer than even an 18yo to respond. 8. Make them wear their seat belts, even when they are in the backseat! It needs to be a habit. I'm shocked at how many people don't wear them. 9. For the first year all driving should have a purpose, to work, to school, to a friend's house. No "cruising" with friends. Most accidents happen while joy riding. 10. Teach them to not drive while tired. Let them know its ok to call you and find an alternate way home. 11. No one wants to believe their teen will drink, much less drink and drive. But I have made sure that all my kids know that I would come get them without a fight if they find themselves in that situation. Its never worth the risk of driving! How about an Intoxalock? They can't start the car without a clean breath test. 12. Consider having a driving "contract" with your teen. Have written rules and the consequences to breaking them, with signatures! Make sure to put in there that parents make the final decision. 13. Consider getting DriveOK for the car to monitor speed and position. It sends messages to your cell if the car goes faster than allowed. There are several versions out there to choose from. If they don't go where they say they are, you'll know it! I know I'll be getting this for at least one of my drivers.

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