• P.A.D.P. NY - WHO ARE WE?

  • IS YOUR TEEN READY?

  • PARENTS AS DRIVING PARTNERS

  • THE AGREEMENT

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WHY P.A.D.P.?

Let us tell you about how PADPNY came to be

The Parents As Driving Partners campaign is a regional coalition of counties joining together to assist our next generation of drivers. Parents/guardians make an enormous difference as young drivers establish habits that will stay with them throughout their lives and our community partners want to provide parents/guardians with the information and tools they need. One key component is our teen driver agreement which is given out to younger drivers applying for their learning permit in all participating counties. These agreements are conversation starters and a way to establish ground rules that will help keep young drivers safe. Taking an active role in a young driver’s education throughout their formative years is an excellent way to keep them safe!

IS YOUR TEEN READY?

DRIVING SOLO

  • Does your teen know how to avoid taking risks, especially if pressured by friends?
  • Is your teen ready for the responsibility of driving alone?
  • Will your teen always buckle up and make sure all passengers do so as well?
  • Has your teen learned to be patient with other drivers?
  • Will they drive responsibly if feeling upset, frustrated or angry?
  • Will your teen follow your driving rules and conditions?
  • Do you feel safe when riding with your teen?

DISTRACTED DRIVING

  • Distracted driving is a problem that affects all drivers, regardless of their age.
  • Teens’ inexperience makes them more susceptible to distractions while driving.
  • Distracted driving occurs whenever a driver takes their attention away from the road.
  • Parents/guardians should be aware that eating, drinking, applying makeup, or switching their music can significantly reduce teens ability to react to a roadway hazard, incident, or inclement weather. While teens recognize these distractions, they engage in them anyway. Taking your eyes off the road, even for a brief moment, is dangerous and could result in a severe crash or cost a life.

IMPAIRED DRIVING

  • Impaired driving is more than just drinking alcohol and driving. It includes:
    • Marijuana Consumption,
    • Prescription Drug Use,
    • Drowsy Driving,
    • and more.
  • All states of impairment can negatively impact a driver by affecting their:
    • Judgement,
    • Reaction Time,
    • Coordination,
    • and awareness.
  • A young driver’s inexperience further increases their risk of being involved in a motor vehicle while impaired.
  • Parents/guardians should be aware that not all impaired states are easy to recognize.
    • Many teenagers do not get the suggested amount of sleep and being awake for 18 hours is similar to having a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level of 0.08.
    • Lack of adequate sleep among teens increases their likelihood of engaging in risky driving behaviors (e.g. texting while driving and not wearing seat belts).

SPEEDING

  • Unfortunately, speeding is one of the most common practices among drivers, whether purposeful or due to a lack of awareness.
  • There is a widespread belief that this is typical behavior for all drivers.
  • People often share some version of the sentiment, “everyone speeds,” reinforcing that this is an acceptable practice, even for teenagers.
  • Young drivers are also often overconfident in their abilities, resulting in them driving at higher speeds.
  • Many don’t understand that speeding increases the risk and severity of a crash or why speed limits should be honored.
  • An increase in a vehicle’s velocity has the following effects:
    • Decreased reaction time,
    • Exponentially lengthened stopping distances,
    • Increased risk of losing control.
  • Remember that traveling a couple of miles per hour over the limit is not the same as deliberate and flagrant speeding.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

  • 1

    Learn about New York State’s Graduated Driver License (GDL) laws.

     Familiarizing yourself with the GDL process will allow you to assist your young driver as they progress towards their unrestricted license.

  • 2

    Establish your own ground rules

     (e.g. restrict nighttime driving, limit passengers, and prohibit driving in bad weather.) While the GDL law is effective in reducing the risk of crashes, the driving restrictions represent the minimum safety rules your teen must follow. You know your child best and can gauge their readiness for the increased responsibility of driving.

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  • 3

    Talk to your teen about the dangers of impaired and distracted driving

    Discuss all states of impairment, and do not be afraid to limit access to a vehicle when they are drowsy.  You can also pick them up when they are unable to drive.

  • 4

    Talk to your teen about the dangers of impaired and distracted driving

    Discuss all states of impairment, and do not be afraid to limit access to a vehicle when they are drowsy.  You can also pick them up when they are unable to drive.

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  • 5

    Talk to your teen about the dangers of impaired and distracted driving

    Discuss all states of impairment, and do not be afraid to limit access to a vehicle when they are drowsy.  You can also pick them up when they are unable to drive.

  • 6

    Talk to your teen about the dangers of impaired and distracted driving

    Discuss all states of impairment, and do not be afraid to limit access to a vehicle when they are drowsy.  You can also pick them up when they are unable to drive.

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DRIVING AGREEMENT

Taking an active role in your young driver’s education can make a significant impact on their driving habits. Frequent conversations about safety and expectations make a difference and to help outline the guidelines that will help keep your teen safe, we have provided a driving agreement you can print from home.

Parents As Driving Partners Agreement
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Putnam

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Dutchess

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Columbia

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Orange