
Require that your teen maintain good grades in school before he or she can drive.
Check with your insurance company to see if any "good student" discounts are available.
Set a good driving example (no use of alcohol or other drugs, no speeding, always wear your safety belt, and require that safety belts be worn by all passengers).
Remind your teen to stay focused on driving, not getting distracted by excessively loud music or talking on a cellular phone.
Let your teen know that driving after drinking or using other drugs will not be tolerated.
Tell your teen to call you or someone else for a ride anytime he or she or any other driver has been drinking or using drugs.
However, if you find he or she was drinking, it may be better to wait until the next day before you discuss the incident.
Be alert to any signs that your teen has a drinking or other substance abuse problem. If you suspect a problem, urge your teen to talk with his or her pediatrician or school counselor. Such trusted adults can refer your teen for other help, if needed.
Encourage schools to warn about the dangers of driving after drinking or using drugs.
Support showing safety films in school, and efforts to promote safety belt use in all vehicles that take children and teens to and from school.
Driving is a privilege and a responsibility. Teen drivers, to to age and inexperience, are at higher risk for car crashes. Licensing programs, rules of the road, and safe ride programs are designed to help teen drivers stay safe. Along with support and encouragement from parents, these programs are the best way to help teens learn to become responsible drivers.