The rate at which teens die in vehicle crashes is higher for Marion County than for similar rural counties or the State. I recently ran across a Contract for Safe Driving. I do not know who the author is, but thought it was worth sharing for use or as a conversation starter between parents and teens.

 

Linda Ogden, Executive Director
Communities In Schools of Marion County, Inc.

 

Contract for Safe Driving

To the teenage driver: The conditions listed below are to raise awareness of the risks to health and life that are associated with driving.
To the parents: The conditions listed below are to remind parents of the risks to health and life that are associated with driving.

Rules of the Road

1. The greater the traffic offense, the greater the odds that a police officer will be there to greet you.

Obey all traffic laws.

2. Safety belts wrinkle your clothes. Going through a windshield at 50 mph will really wrinkle your clothes.

Wear a safety belt at all times.

3. You will never hit a moving tree on the right side of the road. Stay on the right side.

Don’t drink and drive.

4. Would you mind if your pilot had a few drinks before takeoff?

Never ride with a drunk/drugged driver.

5. Better late than never.

Slow down. We’ll wait.

6. You’d rather be at home wishing you were on the road than on the road wishing you were at home. Never drive through severe weather.

We’ll still wait.

7. Both a borrower and a lender be.

You may borrow the car, but you must also honor requests to run errands.

8. Just because your room is a wreck doesn’t mean the car has to be.

Keep the car clean and be aware of its needs for oil, air in the tires, etc.

Penalties for Not Following the Rules of the Road

Traffic Tickets: You pay your own ticket as well as the difference in the insurance premium for as long as the premium is in effect or until you feel more like walking.

Damage to the car/truck: You pay for all damages and expenses not covered by insurance. Insurance is the Latin word for ‘absolutely nothing is ever covered completely.’

Drugs/Alcohol: Any drugs/alcohol in the car or driver will mean a six-month suspension of all driving privileges. Non-negotiable. It is a long walk to school and practice!

Safety Belts: Failure to require use of safety belts by the driver and all passengers will mean a one-month suspension of driving privileges. Safety belts are a lot more fun than double dating with Mom and Dad.

Maintenance: If the car is not kept clean and maintained, the keys will disappear. You may find them in the bottom of the bucket used to wash the car or under the oil rags.

Signed:

Parent: _________________________________ Teen Driver: _________________________________

Date: _______________________