A HANDBOOK
FOR RESPONSIBLE
DRIVING

For Parents and Teens

Cobb County Teen Driver Awareness Committee

Teen/Family Contract for Safe Driving

We,                                                              hereby enter into an agreement covering the use and operation of any vehicle used by                                                        .

  1. Background. Congratulations, you have turned 16! This is a major milestone. It provides the opportunity for significantly greater freedom, but this potential freedom requires significantly greater responsibility. Driving an automobile is very expensive and can be very dangerous. The statistics are overwhelming that young adults have substantially more accidents and more serious accidents than any other age group. We love you and are very proud of you. We can not bear the thought of something happening to you, or a family member, or one of your friends riding with you. The purpose of this agreement is to establish rules and expectations regarding your use and operation of an automobile. Driving an automobile is a privilege, not a right. The driver must obey traffic and other applicable laws, including courtesy to other drivers, to maintain the privilege of driving. You must comply with the terms of this agreement to maintain your privilege.
You will be required to pay for the following (write in percent desired):
         %   Cost of Vehicle
         %    Vehicle Registration
         %    Cost of Fuel
         %    Maintenance Costs (? See 2)
         %    Damage due to abuse
         %    Full Insurance Coverage
         %    Under-age-25 insurance costs
         %    Fines and penalties
         %    Collision damage
         %    Under-B-Average insurance costs
         %    Costs due to driving record
         %    Other
  1. The Car. In the event you are provided with an automobile, or, if you share the family vehicle, we will ensure that it will be in good working condition. We will pay all costs associated with normal maintenance of the car. You will pay all costs associated with any accident that we believe was caused by you and any other costs that could have been avoided through prudent care of the car. It is your responsibility to be aware of the condition of the car and to let us know immediately of any unusual noises, problems, etc. For your information, the cost to repair a car for even a minor "fender-bender" typically exceeds $500. In your car, you will always have your registration, insurance card, emergency phone numbers, jumper cables and a fire extinguisher.
    2.  You will be responsible for the following (check those applicable):

                  Check fluids each fuel fill
                  Inspect and check tire pressure
                  Report unusual performance
                  Clear or clean all windows
                  Maintain ¼ tank of gas at all times
                  Do normal maintenance
                  Wash and wax the vehicle
                  Keep interior clean
                  Have maintenance done
                  Other
  2. Insurance. Your insurance rates will be established for a driver who gets a good student discount, discount for driver training and any other available discounts, and who has no traffic tickets or accidents. A "B" average or above results in a decrease in insurance costs. The cost of the insurance is . You will pay the cost of any increase in insurance rates, other than normal increases.
  3. Traffic Tickets. You will obey all traffic laws. You must pay for any traffic tickets, and any citation will result in a reduction in driving privileges. Traffic tickets typically range from $50 to $200 for simple negligence with reckless acts significantly higher. For example, an underage DUI would result in a fine of at least $300 and a mandatory loss of license.
You will lose your user privileges these number of days for each traffic offense or at-fault crash:
First Offense                days
Preventable Crash                days
Second Offense                days
Serious Violation                days
Third Offense                days
Drugs or Alcohol                days
  1. Seat Belts. You agree to wear a seat belt at all times. You agree to require your passengers to wear a seat belt at all times. You may not take more passengers than the number of seat belts. Seat belts will be fastened before the car moves.
  2. Restricted Activities While Driving. You agree to devote your complete and undivided attention to driving while operating an automobile. An unusually high number of accidents are caused (or tickets received) when the driver is distracted or engaged in other activities than driving the car. You agree not to eat or drink when driving. You will not change tapes/CDs or "fiddle" with the radio when the car is moving
  3. Directions. An unusually high number of accidents are caused (or tickets received) when the driver is uncertain where he or she is going. You need to know where you are going and precisely how you will get there before leaving. If you are ever lost or uncertain, stop and ask for directions at a safe (e.g. good lighting) gas station or similar establishment. Keep your family informed of your destination and approximate time of arrival and departure as well as route taken. Check in frequently and notify your family of any delays. If you are provided with a car phone, use it only when the car is stopped in a safe place.
  4. Gasoline. There is no excuse for running out of gas. You agree to keep your gas tank no less than ¼ full at all times.
  5. User Privileges. Understand that there is a significant amount of driving and errands that must be performed to keep our family functioning at the level we have chosen. In exchange for the use of a car, other privileges you enjoy and years of transportation, you agree to help with family driving and errands. Errands will be performed with a positive, helpful attitude.
Your user privilege will be linked to your grades in school and performance at home and such things as:
bulletDoing duties at home properly and on time
bulletShowing proper respect for parents and others
bulletComplying with family regulations
bulletAttendance, conduct and effort at school
bulletObeying your curfew
bulletOther (specific to family)
  1. Substance Use. You agree not to consume alcohol, use illegal drugs or smoke. Violations will result in a loss of driving privileges as well as other restriction. This also pertains to passengers in your vehicle.
  1. Amendments. We have used our best efforts to cover the issues surrounding the use of an automobile; however, we reserve the right to modify this agreement in the future.

You are Legally Responsible for Your Actions as a Driver. We, as your family, agree that we will also abide by the terms of this contract.

We, as Vehicle Owners, Are Legally Liable for Damages Done By You as a Driver.

Signed on the                          day of                              , 19        .

Parent/Guardian                                                                           

Parent/Guardian                                                                           

Son/Daughter                                                                             

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HANDBOOK FOR RESPONSIBLE DRIVING