There are several agreements parents and young drivers can make to reduce the likelihood of crashes. New drivers should agree to:

• Limit night driving.
• Never use alcohol or drugs before they get behind the wheel or allow the use of alcohol or other drugs in the vehicle.
• Make sure that everyone in the vehicle wears seat belts at all times.
• Restrict the number of passengers.
• Restrict high-risk driving situations during the first year behind the wheel. Examples: adverse weather, congested traffic, unsupervised long trips.
• Never drive when excessively fatigued, angry, or upset.

Guidelines for Implementing a Parent-Teen Vehicle-Use Agreement

1. Be an Example

• Behavior is learned, not innate.
• It is unreasonable to expect your child to behave differently than you do when driving or caring for a vehicle.
• If there are preteens in the family, prepare them to take responsibility as a part of growing up.

2. Be Clear

• Go over the contract with your son or daughter.
• Fill in the blanks where applicable.
• Explain the regulations.
• Listen to your child's point of view.
• Link driving privileges to school performance and overall behavior.
• Emphasize consequences of failure to meet contract provisions.