You are your child’s best role model. From  the moment he is born, your child is watching you interact with the world and make choices. There is no question that parents and guardians are important sources for creating safe teenage drivers. National Teen Driver Safety Week, which runs from Oct. 20-­‐26, focuses on good role models with the theme of “It Takes Two: Shared Expectations for  Teens and Parents for Driving.”

Car crashes are the leading cause of death for teenagers ages 15-­‐19 years. For worried parents, it’s often hard to compete with the freedom and excitement young drivers feel when they get their licenses.

Graduated driver licensing laws now exist in every state to help teens ease into the responsibility of driving. These laws often limit the hours at night a teen may drive, the number of people allowed in a teen’s car, and the number of practice hours required to earn a full license, but parents can also take simple steps to help their teens make safe driving choices.

Start by talking to your kids about the decisions you are making while you drive. Many of the silent actions we take may not be noticed by teens learning to drive. Explain how you look for hazards, check rearview mirrors, and adjust speed for road conditions and other factors. Other tips include:

• Set a good example when you drive. Always follow traffic and safety laws. Use a seat belt every time you are in the Drive the speed limit. Do not drive while drowsy, impaired, or distracted.
• Check your state’s laws that apply to your teen, such as limits on the number of people a teen may have in the car and the hours teens may
• Practice with your teen in difficult situations, such as driving in heavy traffic, during different weather patterns, and at Stay calm and patient and give helpful feedback. Offer praise when your teen makes good decisions.
• A parent-­‐teen driving contract, available at www.preventchildinjuorg, will set clear rules and consequences if rules are broken. Make sure the contract requires seat belt use for each person in the car at all times, no cell phones or electronic devices, and checking in with parents.
• Ask your teen’s doctor if any of the medicine he is taking might affect how he
• Remember that age alone is not a sign your teen is ready to You know your child best. If she takes too many risks or does not pay attention to details, she may not be ready to drive.