Teen Safety On The Roads

In a recent survey, 3 out of 4 teens said parents are the biggest influence over how they drive. Although the dreaded "safe driving" conversation may seem difficult to approach, taking an active role in your teens driving could save lives. Here are some questions to consider while having this discussion with your teen:

-Does your teen truly understand what "safe driving" means? The Allstate -Foundation's research shows that teens differentiate between "good" drivers and "safe" drivers. For example, teens consider "good" drivers to be those who can handle a car at high speeds while a "safe" driver follows all the rules.
-In general, does your teenager show good judgment?
-Are you familiar with the teen driving laws in your state?
-Is your teen willing to follow those laws and your rules?
-Do they generally resist peer pressure when it comes to risky or harmful behavior?
-Does your teenage driver seem comfortable behind the wheel?

Another way to help jump-start the "safe driving" conversation with your teen is to consider drafting a parent-teen driving contract. This contract can help you outline your teen's key driving responsibilities, decide on the consequences associated when those responsibilities aren't met, and define your role in helping your teen succeed. Discuss each topic together, and once you and your teen have come to an agreement, you should both sign and date the contract. To watch a demo of how to create your parent-teen driving contract, or to download a blank version to complete, visit Allstate Insurance Company Parent-Teen Driving Contract.

Other ways to help with the mission to keep teen drivers safe include getting your teen involved with KeepTheDrive.com, becoming a safe driving advocate, and joining the Pledge To Not Text and Drive. All of this information and much more can be found at Allstate Insurance Company.