10/01/09
TEEN’S DRIVING DIRECTLY TIED TO PARENTS’ ATTITUDES
Parents, do you know that your attitude and approach in dealing with your teenage driver may be the most important factor in their safety behind the wheel of a car? Two recent studies in the journal “Pediatrics” show that parents can have a big impact on teen drivers.
While it may seem like common sense, the two new studies reinforce the notion that parents who set strict rules and boundaries and, perhaps more importantly, stick to those rules and boundaries, are more likely to have safer teenage drivers. Conversely, teenage drivers whose parents are permissive and uninvolved in their driving have more accidents. The new studies say that teens whose parents are actively involved cut their risk of drinking and driving by 70%, are half as likely to speed, and 30% less likely to use the cell phone while driving. Further, kids who need permission to use a car are 50% less likely to have a wreck than kids who have unlimited access to a car.
When it comes to guiding your teens as they learn to drive, the clear message is that you can’t be their friend. You have to be their dictator. You set the rules and make your children follow them. You may end up with some upset teenagers, but as my grandmother used to say, “Better you should cry than I should cry.”
So, please get involved with your young drivers. If you want help, contact me. I have developed a New Driver’s Contract that you can adapt to your own use. It sets out clear rules for your teenager’s use of a car, with clearly defined consequences. If you would like a copy for your use, please email me and I’ll be happy to send it to you.
Let’s try to help our teenagers be safe and make the roads safe for all drivers,
Bruce Hagen
TELEPHONE: (404)522-7553 • FAX: (404)522-7744 • EMAIL: CONTACT THE FIRM
