Teen Driving - Part 2 of 2: Setting the Ground Rules

Now that you've decided what car your teen will be driving, it's time for a serious family discussion. Make it a long one. Discussing expectations of this huge responsibility is important before your teen ever takes the keys. Here are some questions you may choose to discuss:

- Who will pay for insurance and gas? Who will make the car payments? While your teen probably does not have the financial resources, it is important that she be aware of how expensive owning a car really is. Show her the insurance packet and bills. Show her the gas card bill when it arrives. Understanding how expensive driving can be may promote a greater respect for the responsibility.

- Who will be responsible for routine maintenance and documenting service records? Who will be responsible for creating and maintaining the car safety kit? Again, it is important to involve your teen is this. Not only will it enforce the message of the responsibility of driving, but this is the best way to learn! When she is all grown up and on her own, she will have to know how to check the oil. And sooner or later we all need to know how to change a tire. Better to start young!

- What happens in the event of a parking or speeding ticket? Who will pay and what will the repercussions be, if any?

- What should your teen do in the event of an accident? Does she know what information to exchange? Is the insurance card handy?

- What type of driving restrictions will there be? Daytime only? Is your teen permitted to chauffeur friends or siblings? Will driving privileges be extended as your teen gains more experience and proves she is a safe driver? We know how accident prone young and inexperienced drivers can be. Limiting friends will reduce the amount of peer pressure to drive recklessly and the distraction of extra occupants. Progressively increasing your teen's privileges is both an incentive and reward for safe driving.

- What are your safety expectations? Consider the rule that *every* occupant wear a seat belt, even if your local laws do not madate this. Will you provide a mobile phone for emergency use only? What if the issue of drinking and driving arises? See a teen/parent contract for drug and alcohol safety at: http://www.itsnotanaccident.com

Lastly, do not forget your ongoing responsibility to lead by example. Now is a great time to examine your own driving habits. Do you speed? Tailgate? Always use your turn signal? Do you curse, gesture or otherwise drive aggressively? Teen drivers are still learning, even when the formal driver's education classes are over. Do not drive in a manner you would not want your teen driving. After all, teenagers think they know everything already and wouldn't it be embarrassing for your child to point out your own bad driving habits?!

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