1. Rules of the Road A Class for Parents of New Drivers Sponsored by:
DRIVE SMART COLORADO and
The Colorado Department of Transportation

2. Rules of the Road Topics to Discuss Risks associated with teen driving
Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL)
Colorado’s Teen Driving Law
Resources for teaching your teen to drive
Setting realistic expectations for your teen driver
Questions/Concerns

3. Why We Are Here Parents have asked for help! To empower parents
This is all very confusing
To empower parents
Knowledge is comforting
Teen driving is risky

4. Teen Driving Risks Inexperience Failure to Wear a Seat Belt
Inattentiveness/Distractions
Excessive Speed
Fatigue
Driving at Night
Driving with Other Teens
Alcohol/Drug Use

5. Teen Driving Risks: What Parents Can Do
Seat Belt Use
Establish a policy, talk about the dangers
Night Time Driving
Visibility is reduced, difficult to judge the speed of oncoming traffic, PRACTICE driving at night!!!
Passengers
Can be a major distraction
Choosing a Car
Wait before buying your teen their own vehicle
Drowsy Driving
Limit Driving: Especially on the drive TO school

6. Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL)
History of GDL
What is it?
What is the purpose?
How can parents help?
Is it enough?
Where do you go if you need more information?

7. Colorado Teen Motor Vehicle Fatalities
107 99
68% Decrease
10% Increase 73 65 46 40 36
GDL Enacted
GDL Strengthened
Cell Phone Ban

9. Learner’s Permit Can obtain at: 15, 15 & 6 months, 16 years old
Must hold permit for one full year
50 hours of driving with parent/guardian
10 hours must be at night
Cannot drive with anyone other than a driving instructor, parent, or legal guardian
No Cell Phones
No talking or texting
Must wear seat belt

10. Rural Teen Permit Process
If you live more than 30 miles from a driver’s education school (nearest school’s physical address):
School must be in operation more than 20 hours a week
Can take Internet class at 14.5 (with caveats)
Exempt from the 6 hour behind the wheel training but must add 12 hours of log time with a parent

11. Restricted License During First Full Year After Obtaining License:
No passengers the 1st 6 months
1 passenger only the 2nd 6 months
Must wear seat belt
Driver is responsible for everyone in the car and must make sure everyone is wearing a seat belt
No driving between midnight and 5 a.m.
Teens under 18 CANNOT talk on the cell phone while driving and they CANNOT text.

12. Penalties for Seat Belt, Curfew and Passenger Restrictions
While Driving with a Restricted License:
1st Violation: $65 minimum fine, hours community service and 2 points against your license
2nd Violation: $100 minimum fine, hours community service and 2 points against your license
Subsequent Offense: $150 minimum fine, hours community service and 2 points against your license

13. Full Privilege License
Must wear seat belt
No cell phone use if under 18
Parents can still place restrictions and should continue to drive with their teen to assess/evaluate driving skills

14. Available Resources Driver’s Education Education for Parents
Private Driving Schools
Alive at 25: 4-hour driver awareness program
CD ROM’s, Internet Resources
Education for Parents
Internet Resources:
Community Resources
Law Enforcement
DMV
Insurance Agencies

15. Tips for the Road Be a good role model (your teen is watching)
Rules of the Road
Variety of Experience
Structure
Talking to your teen
Make sure you are familiar with current guidelines and laws…times have changed since you learned to drive

16. Setting Realistic Expectations
Parent/Teen Driving Agreement
How to design
Updating
When it works/When it doesn’t
Rewards/Consequences

17. Parent -Teen Driving Contract
Contract May Include:
Adherence to laws (speeding, aggressive driving, etc.)
Passenger restrictions
Seat belt use
Curfews
Methods for check-in
Substance use (alcohol, drugs, prescription drugs)
Distractions (cell phones, music, eating, etc.)
Driving while sleepy, etc.

19. Questions/Concerns

20. Feedback Please fill out our survey. Thank You!!
Please take a moment to give us your opinions and suggestions for this class.
We want this to be a valuable experience.
Please fill out our survey.
Thank You!!

21. How to Contact Us DRIVE SMART COLORADO (719) 444-7534
Web-site:
“LIKE” Us On Facebook: Drive Smart Colorado
Maile Gray, Executive Director
Barb Bailey, Program Coordinator