Tad signs up for safe driving contract

Donna Welcome and her son Tad, the newest member 
of MattSafe

Monday, March 22, 2004

Tad Welcome from Bodden Town became the newest member of MattSafe when he and his mother, Donna Welcome, recently signed the 'We Pledge' parent/teen contract.

Tad will soon be driving his first car and along with many of his friends signed up for the programme without hesitation. "It is really a good programme that shows you the dangers of reckless driving," he said.

Mrs Welcome says she believes that as a recognised MattSafe-driver, 17-year-old Tad will have the necessary motivation to be a good road user. 

"If you know you are in the public eye it is easier to abide by the rules," she said.

The one-year contract, written to be a major support for parents and teens in curbing road accidents, is a process of negotiation between teens and parents. Teens agree to certain rules and parents give rewards for good road sense. 

"Tad loves to dine out and I promised him even more nights out if he shows me he can be a responsible driver," Mrs Welcome said.

The MattSafe-pledge focuses on five key areas:

• Parent/teen education on risks and their co-operation on safe driving strategies are critical factors in keeping teens safe.
• Driving is a privilege for under-age teens.
• Families should have freedom to set conditions for teen driving.
• Teens and parents should negotiate their own contract.
• Parents and teens are equally bound by the contract.

By signing the contract both parties pledge to observe speed limits, to drive free of all distractions, to drive sober and alert, to never drive in convoy and to commit to restrictions as agreed.

Teens receive a bumper sticker showing the 123-4567 (or *DD for cell phones) number which the public can call if they notice any bad road behaviour such as groups of teen cars bunched together on the roads, speeding, impaired driving, driving without seat belts and other traffic violations.

If MattSafe teens have an accident or get a ticket for any traffic violations, they have to start the year over. Police agreed to notify the organisation if they issue any tickets or warnings to teen drivers. 

Those who successfully complete the 12 months will receive various rewards and honours. 

Some insurance companies have already indicated that they will consider lowering some aspects of their premiums as a reward to good teen drivers. 

Parents will also reward young drivers according to provisions in their contracts. MattSafe is further working on other incentives that will make the contract even more valuable to teens. 

"Research shows that even risky attitudes can be overcome with the right motivation," says Pat Ebanks, a founding member of MattSafe.

The next Parent-Teen Safe Driving Workshop will be on Saturday, 24 April, at 9 am. For those unable to attend on Saturday, a special Sunday afternoon workshop is planned for 23 May at 2 pm. 

A 26 June Saturday workshop is also scheduled for people unable to take advantage of either of the two preceding workshops.

Various speakers will talk about risks and safety strategies and car care and modifications. The workshop will feature an interactive session run by professional counsellors on how to foster positive parent teen communication. It will close with the signing of contracts.

A registration fee of CI$25 is payable in advance. Those wishing to attend should drop off registration forms and fees at the GIS office in Cricket Square or at the Vehicle and Licensing Department in the MattSafe Drop Box. 

For further information call MattSafe at 244-1755 or e-mail MattSafe@gov.ky 

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