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http://www.omniture.com --> Sections Home Page Local News AP News Blogs Archives Business Classifieds Event Calendar Forums Life Opinion Obituaries Multimedia Photo Gallery Readers Photo Gallery Sports Tempo Weather Road Cams Special Coverage 2006 Britt Festivals --> Shop Our Valley AutoFinder HomeFinder JobFinder Search Our Valley Special Sections Distinctly Northwest Women in Business Homelife Magazine Joy Magazine Oregon Golf Info Oregon Wine Info Other Publications Local Links Ashland News eSouthernOregon Newspapers In Education Personals Moving Here Movie Listings TV Listings Volunteer Customer Service Advertise With Us Media Kit Place Classified Ad Contact Us FAQ's Home Delivery Site Map --> Email Story to a Friend March 17, 2007 How to keep teens safe behind the wheel The Associated Press Are your kids driving themselves to school this spring? Better spend some time preparing them. It's best to set rules ahead of time, and be clear and consistent, experts say. "Do it outside of the emotion of the moment," said Derek Ball, director of the Hiebert Institute at marriage and Family Counseling Service in Rock Island, Ill. "Then there is no debate, no negotiations. And you're not going to win a debate with a teenager." A survey of 903 students with driver's licenses found that one-third said their parents have not established consequences if they break the law while driving. And 43 percent say their parents have not established consequences for breaking family driving rules, which are often stricter than state laws, according to the survey by Liberty Mutual and Students Against Destructive Decisions. Parents can follow four guidelines to keep their kids safe, suggests Dave Melton, product director of transportation for Liberty Mutual. They should set expectations, communicate them to their children, set consequences and follow through consistently, he said. Consequences need to be meaningful, such as revocation of driving privileges or refusal to pay increased insurance costs or traffic tickets. And there's lots more to warn them about besides speeding. The SADD survey found that 42 percent talk on a cell phone while driving; 35 percent eat and drink; and 10 percent use an electronic device with a screen. Ball said parents need to practice what they preach and maintain the same message no matter what. "Teens are most concerned about fairness. If they're getting a consistent message from parents, that's something they can count on." Would you like to respond to this story? If so Click Here to visit our forums. Advertisement Copyright © 1997-2007 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback online casinos news Home Security Systems Online Casino Reviews Trunks, Footlocker Fundraisers UK Homeowner Loans Casinos Canada Cord Blood Banking Discount Hotel Reservations Texas Electric Choice Compare Electric rates in Texas Windermere Van Vleet Men's Clothing Debt Help New Hampshire Primary