CDC Features

Add this to...
Añadir en...
Favorites
Delicious
Digg
Google Bookmarks

Pledge to Protect Your Teen Driver

I Pledge, A CDC Video

CDC is pleased to release a 60-second video as part of the "Parents Are the Key" campaign for safe teen driving. The "I Pledge" video shows a number of moms and dads pledging to protect their teen drivers.

It's proven that parents can make a positive difference when it comes to preventing the number one killer of teens in the United States—car crashes.

Know That Parents Are the Key

Throughout the year, talk with your teen about the dangers of driving—and keep the conversation going. CDC also encourages you to take these steps to help keep your teen driver safe:

Extend your teen's supervised driving period. Help your teen develop the skills he or she needs by providing as many supervised practice driving hours as possible. Include at least 30 to 50 hours of practice over at least six months. Make sure to practice on a variety of road conditions and at different times of day.
Set the rules of the road. Practice driving will empower your teen. But your rules will provide much needed limits to keep him or her safe.

Support the rules that most states have for teen drivers by including the following:

Make sure your teen always wears a seat belt.
Limit your teen's nighttime driving.
Restrict the number of teen passengers allowed in the car.

Join the conversation about safe teen driving on Facebook

Watch the video and share it with others to help spread the word. Then, take the next step to keep your teen driver safe.

Enforce the rules with a Parent-Teen Driving Agreement [PDF - 1.55 MB]. Discuss your rules of the road with your teen. Talk about why they are important to follow, as well as consequences for breaking the rules. Work with your teen to draft and sign a parent-teen driving agreement. You may choose to hang yours on the refrigerator door to highlight the importance of safe driving. Let your teen know that following the rules and driving safely will result in greater driving privileges.

Learn more about CDC's Parents Are the Key campaign and research and activities in this area.

More Information

CDC works 24/7 saving lives and protecting people from health threats to have a more secure nation. A US federal agency, CDC helps make the healthy choice the easy choice by putting science and prevention into action. CDC works to help people live longer, healthier and more productive lives.