If you are a parent, or grandparent, to a teenage driver I thought you might want to know that October 20 – 26, 2013 is National Teen Driver Safety Week. This year’s theme is “It Takes Two: Shared Expectations for Teen and Parents for Driving”.
My daughter is 16 years old and old enough to get her permit (and eventually license) here in New York. So far she has not even taken the written test. I don’t know what she’s afraid of. She’s a perfectionist and doesn’t like to fail. I keep telling her that plenty of people fail the test on the first try. Even her best friend failed but she tried again a week later and passed.
Our daughter already knows that once she is able to drive we are going to have a discussion about what we expect of her. I’m not talking about her school grades or paying for her own gas. I’m talking about safety issues, such as not texting and driving, being conscious of road conditions and letting us know where she is going and to check in frequently so we know everything is OK.
Back in August and September I wrote about a special contest State Farm® was hosting called Celebrate My Drive®. Celebrate My Drive® focuses on safe driving and how it’s a lifelong commitment. Last year thousands of students, families and high school staff members and educators joined the “party”.
From October 18 (TODAY!) through October 26th, State Farm® and Celebrate My Drive® want to encourage you to make a safe driving commitment. The more commitments that are made the better chance of your high school to win grant money or even a special concert from American Idol alumni Kelly Clarkson. See the Official Rules for details.
In addition State Farm® agents will also be hosting student-focused events the across North America.
It only takes a few moments to register and make the commitment. It’s worth it when you see what great prizes can be won.
Not only are there great prizes, it’s important for parents and teens to make safe driving a priority.
The Celebrate My Drive website has tools for teens to help them to develop safe driving techniques. As someone who has been driving for nearly 30 years I found some of the tools to be very useful, even for a “seasoned” driver like myself.
For more information, or to make a commitment to help your school, visit www.CelebrateMyDrive.com.
Kimberly
*I was not compensated for this post. I am posting this for the benefit of my site readers. The opinions expressed are my own and not influenced in any way.
Jessica M. says
I enjoyed reading about this State Farm contest, and yes, everyone should practice safe driving techniques! I will check on the “tools for safe driving on the website.”
Rosie says
This is cool! I have been reading how so many teens are not overly eager to obtain their license, but it is good for them to start learning how to drive earlier rather than later. If they wait until 18 to learn to drive, they may have to take on too much driving before they are really capable of it. How different than when I was that age – we couldn’t wait. It is better now that kids are getting the idea of safety and precaution.
angie p says
My daughter was in no hurry to get her license, either. She got her permit when she was 15 and waited until just before her 17th birthday to take her road test. She passed and has had her license for about 4 months now. 🙂
Sarah says
Its so great of Sate Farm to have this, Its so important for parents to teach kids how crucial safe driving is . When my daughter starts to drive I will do everything I can to make sure she makes it a priority. thanks for the info and the link!