The Driving Contract Helps Keep Teens Safe
Specifying Driving Rules, Limits and Consequences Prevent Tragedy
Sep 2, 2009
Handing over the car keys is a huge leap of faith on the part of a teen's parents. Teenage drivers face increased risk due to their inexperience, but there's also more risk because the part of their brain responsible for logic and reason is not fully developed until age 25. Given this fact, teen drivers often don't consider the consequences of their actions and are more susceptible to risk-taking situations; behind the wheel of a vehicle, these behaviors could result in tragedy.
Teen Driving is a Privilege
Driving is not a right that's magically granted to kids when they turn 16. It is a privilege that is granted to teenagers when they demonstrate responsibility and show that they have the ability to balance risk and consequences, not to mention the ability to skillfully handle a several-thousand-pound vehicle.
A Driving Contract Clarifies Rules & Expectations
A contract that clearly spells out the expectations, rules and limits, as well as the consequences for violating any of these, can give a teen a greater understanding of the enormous responsibility involved in driving a vehicle. The contract is best handled as a family meeting, where parents or guardians and the young driver sit together and discuss each point in the contract, give further explanations, ask questions, and come to an agreement about driving the family vehicle. Below is a sample contract that clearly spells out each aspect of driving; families can modify this contract to suit individual situations and requirements.
The Driving Contract's Basic Agreements
The new driver must initial each point to show that it is understood:
- Permission to drive is not a legal right; it is a privilege granted to me by my parents, who may withdraw this privilege at any time.
- I recognize that automobile accidents are a leading cause of death among people between age 16-20.
- I am more likely to die from an auto accident than from any other cause.
- Recklessness or carelessness could kill or injure me, my passenger, people in other cars, or pedestrians.
- I understand that the car I am driving is the property of (name) according to the law, until I have purchased it in full.
- I understand that the terms of this agreement can change at any time, based on my ability to handle the privilege and responsibility of driving. The rules will become somewhat less strict if my parents judge that I am doing well, but they will become more strict if I am not doing well.
- I must at all times abide by the terms of this contract; "forgetting" about any aspect of this agreement will never be allowed as an excuse.
I understand and agree to each point on this page.
Critical Rules - Violations Will Result in Privileges Being Suspended Indefinitely
- I understand that my parents do not permit me to drink alcohol. If I do drink, I will not drive for 24 hours after my last use of alcohol.
- I will not use any type of drugs, including marijuana, inhalants, pills or other chemical substances.
- I will not ride with anyone who I think has used alcohol or drugs. I can call home for a ride in such a circumstance, at any hour, no questions asked.
- I will not have alcohol or drugs in the car. I will be held responsible for any illegal substances in the car, even if they do not belong to me.
- I will not engage in reckless driving of any kind, including racing, speeding, "drifting" or stunt driving.
- Seat belts will be worn at all times by every individual in the car. I will not drive until everyone is buckled.
- I will inform my parents about encounters with law enforcement regarding my driving; this includes pull-overs, tickets, warnings or accidents.
- I will not carry weapons of any kind in the car.
I understand and will abide by each of these rules.
In summary, I agree to abide by all rules and limits spelled out in this agreement. I accept the penalties and consequences if I do not follow these rules and limits.
Dated signatures of parents, guardians and the driver should be included at the end of the contract, and copies should be made for everyone involved. Families should periodically discuss the contract, making additions or changes as necessary. Other, more specific rules that should be discussed and included in the driving contract can be found here.
Teen driving is a rite of passage and a cause for celebration in families, but everyone involved should remain aware of its seriousness and potential for danger. The contract will raise a teen driver's awareness and create a safer, more responsible driver.
Sources:
Center for Disease Control, Teen Drivers
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)"The Teen Driver" (Committee on Injury, Violence, and Poison Prevention and Committee on Adolescence). PEDIATRICS, Vol. 118(6), December 2006.
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