Homecoming safe driving tips for parents

We're asking for help from parents as teens head out to football games and homecoming dances and other fall activities. We’re asking parents to remind their teens of the importance of safe driving as a driver or passenger.

Here are some topics to discuss with your teen to help get the conversation started:

Take the lead: Teen drivers are more inclined to heed the warnings of other teens as opposed to those of adults. Encourage your teen to be a leader and get involved with the planning of safe driving initiatives for fall events.

Do not drink or use drugs: It’s illegal to drink under the age of 21 in the United States. It’s also illegal to drink or use drugs and drive. Explain to your teen that if their driver has become under the influence during the course of the night, do not get in their vehicle, do not let them drive and it's O.K. to call home for ride.

Drive the route: Make sure the teen who is driving to the Homecoming dance or other fall activities knows exactly where they’re going. Suggest to your teen that you drive the route together in advance of the big night to prevent distractions like looking for road signs.

Slow down during night time driving: You can't see as far down the road in the dark as you can in the light. Make your teen aware of the importance of slowing down at night so they have enough time to deal with an unexpected situation.

Avoid distractions: Start this conversation by asking your teen where they put their phone when they are driving. Make sure they turn their cell phone off and put it out of reach while driving. If they have to use their phone, tell them to pull safely off the road. They should not eat or drink while driving and limit the number of passengers in the car at one time. The more passengers there are in a vehicle, the greater the risk of a crash.

Wear your seat belt: Make sure your teen is aware that the number one lifesaving device in a vehicle is a seat belt and that everyone in the front and back seat must buckle up before the car starts.