The National Safety Council (NSC) says, “Teens' Biggest Safety Threat is Sitting on the Driveway. Half of all teens will be involved in a car crash before graduating from high school. Parental involvement doesn't end when a child gets a license. Teen drivers who continue to practice with their parents increase their chances of avoiding a crash.”

National Teen Driver Safety Week, October 21 through October 27, 2018, is sponsored by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). NHTSA recognizes that parents are the biggest influencers on their teen drivers, and reminds parents to set the rules before they hit the road.

“We at Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. have seen the devastation to teens, families, and friends caused by teen vehicle accidents. Because of this, we would like to provide assistance to parents and guardians by providing a parent-teen driving agreement they can use in being proactive in the training of their teens. The Parent-Teen Driving Agreement is below and will be available on our website, SpiveyLaw.com by November 1. Please print a copy and discuss these issues with your teens,” said Attorney Randall Spivey, Fort Myers Car Accident Attorney.

Parent-Teen Driving Agreement

“It is an exciting time for teens when they first get their driver’s license. In an effort to assist parents and teens in creating safe driving habits and making the experience positive, we at Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. would like to share with you a Parent-Teen Driving Agreement created by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the American Academy of Pediatrics. Please download the agreement, discuss and sign it, and keep it in a safe place for referral purposes,” said Attorney Randall Spivey.

I, _________________________________, will drive carefully and cautiously and will be courteous to other drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians at all times.

I PROMISE:

I promise that I will obey all the rules of the road. I will…

• Always wear a seat belt and make all my passengers buckle up
• Obey all traffic lights, stop signs, other street signs, and road markings
• Stay within the speed limit and drive safely
• Never use the car to race or to try to impress others
• Never give rides to hitchhikers

I promise that I will make sure I can stay focused on driving. I will…

• Never text while driving (writing, reading or sending messages)
• Never talk on the cell phone, including hands-free devices or speakerphone, while driving
• Drive with both hands on the wheel
• Never eat or drink while driving
• Drive only when I am alert and in emotional control
• Call my parents for a ride home if I am impaired in any way that interferes with my ability to drive safely, or if my driver is impaired in any way
• Never use headphones or ear buds to listen to music while I drive

I promise that I will be a responsible driver. I will…

• Drive only when I have permission to use the car, and I will not let anyone else drive the car unless I have permission
• Drive someone else’s car only if I have parental permission
• Pay for all traffic citations or parking tickets
• Complete my family responsibilities and maintain good grades at school as listed here: ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
• Contribute to the costs of gasoline, maintenance, and insurance as listed here: ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

RESTRICTIONS:

I agree to the following restrictions, but understand that these restrictions will be modified by my parents as I get more driving experience and demonstrate that I am a responsible driver.

• For the next _____ months, I will not drive after ________ p.m.
• For the next _____ months, I will not transport more than _______ teen passengers (unless I am supervised by a responsible adult).
• For the next _____ months, I won’t adjust the stereo, electronic devices, or air conditioning/heater while the car is moving.
• For the next _____ months, I will not drive in bad weather.
• I understand that I am not permitted to drive to off-limit locations or on roads and highways as listed here: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
• Additional restrictions: __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

PENALTIES FOR AGREEMENT VIOLATIONS:

• Drove while texting (composed, read or sent message or email with phone).

NO DRIVING FOR ______ MONTHS

• Drove while talking on a cell phone (including hands-free or speakerphone).

NO DRIVING FOR ______ MONTHS

• Drove after drinking alcohol or using drugs.

NO DRIVING FOR ______ MONTHS

• Got a ticket for speeding or moving violation.

NO DRIVING FOR ______ MONTHS

• Drove after night driving curfew.

NO DRIVING FOR ______ WEEKS/MONTHS

• Drove too many passengers.

NO DRIVING FOR ______ WEEKS/MONTHS

• Broke promise about seat belts (self and others).

NO DRIVING FOR ______ WEEKS/MONTHS

• Drove on a road or to an area that is off limits.

NO DRIVING FOR ______ WEEKS/MONTHS

I agree to follow all the rules and restrictions in this agreement. I understand that my parents will impose penalties, including removal of my driving privileges, if I violate the agreement. I also understand that my parents will allow me greater driving privileges as I become more experienced and as I demonstrate that I am always a safe and responsible driver.

   SIGNATURES

Driver: _______________________________________ Date: ________________

Parent promise: I also agree to drive safely and to be an excellent role model.

Parent (or guardian): ____________________________ Date: ________________

Parent (or guardian): ____________________________ Date: ________________