Safe Driving Resources

Driver's Edge
A free, innovative and potentially life-saving program for teen drivers.

Teen Driver Source
Parenting advice, free downloadable tools, useful links and cutting-edge research for teens, parents, educators and more.

Safe to and from Prom… and Beyond
Parents can serve an important role by encouraging teen driver safety during prom season—and throughout the year.

Teach Your Teen to be a Smart Passenger
Six quick tips for teaching your teens to be safety-minded passengers.

Set House Rules and Reduce Crash Risks for Your Teen
Parents play a crucial role in teen driving safety, according to recent research. Teens who say their parents set rules and pay attention to their activities in a helpful, supportive way are half as likely to be in a crash.

• Be a Role Model. Being a good driver yourself is one of the best ways you can teach your teen be a better driver.  If you run traffic lights, speed, weave in and out of traffic, tailgate, and exhibit other signs of road rage, you’re demonstrating to your teen careless and dangerous driving habits that can result in an accident or fatality. You're teaching them that driving rules and laws don’t matter. Start early by modeling the type of driver you want your teen to be. 

• Put it in Writing. Create a driving contract for your teen, and be prepared to stick to it. A driving contract is a great way to let teens know that driving is both a privilege and a serious responsibility. It also establishes clear expectations about driving for your teen: always wear a seat belt, never get into a vehicle with someone who’s been drinking, etc.  A customizable contract template is available at TeensDriveSmart.com.

• Make Rules about Texting. Set a clear expectation: no texting or tweeting behind the wheel.  This is something you’ll want to include in your driving contract. Research increasingly shows in-car distractions are a leading cause of serious car crashes involving teens.  They live in a digital world and texting is a way of life. Your mandate needs to be clear: not while you’re driving! No exceptions. They need to know you’re serious.

• Adjust Your Attitude. Watch your attitude toward your teen. Be patient and positive as they become comfortable with driving. Don't overwhelm your teen driver with too much criticism or commentary.

• Choose an ICE contact. All drivers should designate an emergency contact in the address book of their cell phones under the name "ICE" — In Case of Emergency. Emergency workers in many towns check for an ICE contact in cell phones.

• Prepare for Emergencies. Put emergency supplies in the trunk of your teenager's car. Explain the purpose of each tool and have them practice using them. This will not just help your teen feel prepared in the event of an emergency, it could also help your teen out of a tight spot on the road.

More tips on Teens Drive Smart.