Most people would like
to believe that they are the “perfect” role model and that their children
should, in all likelihood, emulate their actions. Besides which they are
the most important people in the world to us as we worry about them being hurt
on the road or killed in a car crash -  with good reason, reflecting on
our tragic record of road safety.

Parents often say they
would do anything to keep their children safe. So what can you do, while
driving, to keep your children safe?

Be the driver you want
your teen to be…

Many responsible
parents repeatedly warn their teens not to drive distracted. But it’s not
enough to just tell them. We must show them. Experts tell us that once we turn
our children’s car seats so they face forward they begin to learn how to drive
by watching us.  Have you taught your children that it is okay to eat,
apply make-up, talk or text on our phones while driving? While no one,
including adults who are experienced drivers, should drive distracted,
distracted driving is particularly dangerous for our children who are the most
inexperienced of drivers.  Recent studies in the United States indicate
that distraction may be responsible for as many as 50% of serious teen crashes.
Teens whose parents drive distracted are nearly three times as likely to also
drive distracted. “Do as I say and not as I do” is a risky way to teach your
children to be safe drivers.

Give the gift of safety
to your children by modelling distraction-free driving…

Model distraction-free
driving every time you drive with your children. If you have driven distracted
with your children in the car tell them, you were wrong to do so and that you
want them to help you drive safer. Asking them to remind you to drive safer
empowers them and reduces the chances that they will drive distracted. A
perfect way to have the discussion is to use the Family
Safe Driving Agreement (if any reader would like a sample please contact us) to
reach an agreement for how you and all members of the family will drive. Even
if your children are not yet driving, discuss distraction-free driving with
them. Doing so will not only help them keep you from driving
distracted, but also will prepare them to speak up when others try to
drive them whilst distracted.

By modelling
distraction-free driving every time you drive you will give your children
a gift they can live with.

If you want to view a
video entitled “Parents, be the driver you want your teen to be, “please mail
us.

Till next time – Drive
Safe and set a good example. Make it easy by viewing the video sketches

Eugene Herbert