Parents, whether you realize it or not, you are probably the biggest influence on your child's driving. They watch what you are doing while you are driving and this can positively or negatively influence their driving habits. The old saying, 'I’d rather see a sermon than hear one any day" applies to you.

The way you drive often speaks louder than how you tell your child to drive.  Here are some questions which may help you evaluate your driving habits. These are not meant for embarrassment, just a quick check of the message you are sending to your child.

1. Do you always wear your seat belt?  Yes  No

Statistics show, teenagers buckle-up 75% of the time if their parents are in the car, but only 38% of the time when they are not. The fact is: Seat belts save lives. You can reduce the risk of being injured or killed by over 50% by wearing your seat belt and seat belts help you stay in control of your car if you go off the road.

2. Do you obey the speed limit?  Yes  No

Have you ever suggested to your child that they won't get pulled over if they are only going 5 mph over the speed limit. Remember, this is a speed limit, not a speed suggestion.

3. Do you always come to a complete stop at a stop sign and before the crosswalk?
  Yes  No

The first look at a stop sign should not be for traffic, but pedestrians. Every year there are about 6,000 pedestrians killed and 80,000 injured in the United States. After you have stopped and see there are no pedestrians ready to cross the street, then look, left, right, and left again, and if clear, proceed through the intersection.

4. Do you maintain a safe following distance?  Yes  No

The law requires a minimum following distance of 2 seconds (3 or 4 is better). Tailgating can lead to rear-end collisions. The more space you keep between you and the vehicle ahead of you, the less likely you are to have a collision, if they stop suddenly.

5. Do you talk on your cell phone while driving? Yes  No

Cell phones are a valuable tool, however, while driving, you should not be holding or dialing your cell phone. Hands-free attachments are helpful, but conversations can be a dangerous distraction to your driving.  The American Automobile Association (AAA) Foundation for Traffic Safety sites these other distractions: reaching, leaning, changing audio controls, external distractions, conversing with others in the car, eating, drinking, spilling, grooming, reading or writing. Encourage your child to focus on driving.

6. Do you signal all lane changes and turns? Yes  No

Let others know your intent. Signal 100 feet (or where it causes the least amount of confusion) before all turns and lane changes. You don't have to be in traffic very long to see people violate this. Help your child be a better driver, use your turn signals every time and remind them to use theirs.

7. Do you make your turn into the proper lane? Yes  No

When making a left or right turn, the law says you should turn into the lane nearest you going the same direction or the closest lane. Many people cause accidents or close calls by “lane jumping” on turns. Always turn into the correct lane.

8. Do you drive in the proper lane?  Yes  No

When driving on a multi-lane road, you should drive in the right or center lane not the left lane. Many people consider the left lane the “fast lane” and drive much faster than the posted speed limit. Remember, the speed limit is not a suggestion.

9. Have you talked with your child about your expectations of them as a driver?  Yes  No

Remember, you are the parent. We have a Contract for Safe Driving which is a valuable tool to discuss expectations. It also suggests penalties for not following the rules of the road. Use this as a guideline. You may have different expectations and consequences, but it is extremely important for you to discuss this with your child. It could save their life. Make sure your child knows the seriousness of driving a motor vehicle. Remember, driving is a privilege not a right.

10. Have you hugged your child today?  Yes  No

It's an old saying, but don't hesitate to let your child know you love them. Tell them. Show them. Spend time with them. If you don't do this now, when you are much older and want them to spend time with you, they may be too busy for you, just as you were too busy for them. Show them you care, not with gifts, but with your love. Your time and love are the most precious commodities you have. Share them now with your child.

Over 16,000 teenagers are killed in motor vehicle accidents each year.  Our goal is to work with you to improve the chances that your child will not be one of these frightening statistics.

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