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Driving Contracts for Teen Drivers
Parents this is for you, especially if your child is about to reach driving age and get a learners permit. Most of you know this is a big deal, a serious step, a nerve wracking time. For those of you in doubt this should push you over the edge - auto accidents are the number one killer of teenagers.

Here's the hard truth. Your child may be an honor student, who loves his/her siblings, visits grandma, keeps a spotless room, and does charity work. But he/she will drive one way when you are watching and another when you are not. Teenagers do not understand risk - it's not their fault, it's their age. To counter a teenager's perceived infallibility driving contracts have been developed.

A driving contract establishes two things. Primarily that driving is a privilege that can be easily lost and clear rules. Most contracts are flexible and let you decide the parts that make sense for you. By entering into a driving contract you are committing to each other to drive safely - both parent and child. As a parent you are letting your child know that this is serious. The Florida Drivers Association HSD (High School Driver) team interviewed Gary Direnfled, creator of the I Promise Program the most widely adopted driving contract for this article.

Gary created the I Promise Program after being cut off by a teen driver. He noticed a "How's My Driving" sticker on a truck and thought that teenagers could use a similar system. The sticker has not been a big success - kids hate the idea. But the accompanying driving contract has been a hit (no pun intended). The contract is entered into by both the new driver and their parent/guardian. Topics covered in the contract include the following:

Being prepared for an emergency
Sober and drug free driving
Wearing a seat belt
Driving defensively
Keeping your mind on the road
Use of a cell phone, music, smoking
and more.

The I Promise Program contract also includes useful information on what to do in case of a crash. The contract is free and High School Driver highly recommends it to all families of new drivers getting a learners permit. Go to the Ipromise web site to get a contract. Feedback on article? Send an email to editor@highschooldriver.com.

Drive Safe, Get There, Have Fun
HighSchoolDriver.com

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