I have written and spoken to groups hundreds of times about the need for parents to talk to their children- especially adolescent children. Talks usually concern issues such as; drugs and drinking, sexual behavior, depression and suicide, eating disorders, and a multitude of other teen problems. Teen driving never seems to be as much of a concern. That is so far from the truth. Our teens need to learn how to drive. It is an important step in their development. It is a time when they have the opportunity to demonstrate their maturity, responsibility, and trust. However, just because you passed drivers training, got a license, and your parents have told you to be careful doesn’t mean you are suddenly a competent driver. Most parents talk to their teens about driving, but it is soon forgotten and we assume everything is going ok. Since the laws changed a few years ago it takes a lot longer to go through the process of drivers training and eventually get your license. These laws have made a difference because drivers are getting more experience before they get their full license. However, it still takes about 3 years of driving experience before you can really be considered a good driver.
The result of this lack of experience is that accidents are the leading cause of death among 15 to 20-year olds. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, averages of over 3,000 drivers in this age group die in an accident each year. In addition 272,000 are injured. Accidents involving 15 to 17 year olds cost more than $34 billion nationwide according to an AAA analysis.

As drivers get more experience the accident rates go down. By the time you are 19 the accident rate is 21% and by age 23 it goes down to 14%. Statistics show that even when the starting driving age is later it still takes three years of on-the-road experience for the accident rate to go down. Even though we have safer cars, better roads, countless driving programs, and more restrictions on getting drivers? licenses we still have good reason to be concerned about any new driver. So our teens need to get on-the-road experience, but at the same time they are at a high risk for crashes during that time.
Three out of four teens say that their parents would be the best influence in getting them to drive more safely. You can make a difference, if you take the time and make the effort to influence them. Driving privileges should be given gradually. The times and places your child is allowed to drive can and should be controlled. There is a big difference in driving your little sister to dance lessons and driving all your friends to a party on Saturday night. I am not saying your teen should not get the car on Saturday night. I am saying that it is a privilege – not a right. You earn it and you can lose it.
One way to start communication on this issue is to develop a written contract with them. An example contract can be found on the Lake Orion Review’s web site at . Discuss each of the areas in the contract and agree on what the expectations are. What privileges does your teen gain by being responsible in each area? What consequences happen when he/she is not responsible or does not meet the expectations? When you are done, both you and your teen sign the contract and keep it posted somewhere it can be seen. As time goes on, and your teen has more experience, and has been responsible he/she gets more privileges. Or, if things have not gone so well, the consequences you agreed to take effect and they have fewer privileges.
Dennis Rozema is a Licensed Professional Counselor who specializes in adolescent and family issues at Indianwood Psychological Group. He is always willing to discuss any concerns or issues you may be having. He can be contacted by email at indianwoodpsychgp@sbcglobal.net , or by phone at (248)814-4040. If you have any issues you would like addressed in a column, please email your suggestions.

Parent-Teen Driving Contract
Sit down with your teen and discuss your expectations. Once you’ve both come to an agreement about the rewards and consequences that go with the expectations, sign and date the contract. Review the contract periodically and grant more privileges or make more restrictions depending on your teen’s driving performance.
Curfew and driving area limits: Seat Belts:
Expectations: Expectations:
Rewards: Rewards:
Consequences: Consequences:
Paying for car, gas, insurance, etc.: Crashes, tickets violations, and speeding
Expectations: Expectations:
Rewards: Rewards:
Consequences: Consequences:
Cell phone, music, food and drinks in car: Number of Passengers:
Expectations: Expectations:
Rewards: Rewards:
Consequences: Consequences:
Grades: Drugs and alcohol:
Expectations: Expectations:
Rewards: Rewards:
Consequences: Consequences:
Teen Driver:
I promise to abide by the rules outlined above. If I choose to break any of these rules, I will abide by the consequences. If I lose my driving privileges, I will be responsible for making other arrangements to get transportation.
Signature of teen driver Date
Parent / Guardian:
I promise to do what I can to help my child succeed in following these rules. I promise to make time to help my child become a safe and responsible driver. I understand this is an evolving contract and promise to make myself available to discuss changes to these rules, the rewards, and the consequences when necessary.
Signature of Parent/Guardian(s) Date