Disclaimer: I have teamed up with State Farm in support of this campaign. We received compensation for participation in this campaign. However, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Life is Full of Mysteries,
How to Drive Safely Shouldn’t Be One of Them.
Follow the Jansen quintuplets as they chronicle their learning-to-drive journey. It’s a story common to most teens, but unique when it’s shared with five siblings.5 will drive amplifies the conversation round learning to drive safely times five.
Meet the Jansens! This family appears to be just your average Midwestern family embarking on a little adventure. Ok, scratch that, they are not so average. The Jansen family is made up of six kids, five of who are QUINTUPLETS, fifteen years old, and all just learning to drive. So the adventure isn’t that ‘average’ either.
Along the way, with a little help from their friends at State Farm®, you’ll meet Mom and Dad, Karla and Jeff, their big sister Nicole, and the five quintuplets: Elijah, Taylor, Miranda, Nick and Carter. You’ll get a taste of what it’s like to be in the middle of a big family like this… the fun and the challenges of life and learning to drive. You’ll also see how preparing to drive – TIMES FIVE – is a really big deal!
Follow their Journey. Through their blog, 5 Will Drive, the Jansen family chronicles their learning-to-drive adventure and sustains the positive safe driving conversation started by Celebrate My Drive®.
As you might be in the same position as the Jansens, but not quite on their scale, here are some tips for parents like you teaching teens to drive:
1. ALWAYS set a good example.
• Wear your seatbelt every time and insist passengers buckle up, too.
• Stow your cell phone when you’re behind the wheel.
• Don’t drink and drive.
• Keep two eyes on the road and two hands on the wheel while driving.
• Eliminate all distractions.
2. Teach the basics.
• Scan for hazards.
• Obey speed limits.
• Use your turn signals.
• Come to a complete stop at stop signs and signals.
• Keep a safe following and stopping distance.
3. Practice, practice, practice.
• Conduct as much supervised practice behind the wheel as possible.
• Vary the routes, time of day and driving conditions to ensure your new driver gains confidence in a wide range of situations.
• Provide hands-on supervised training in heavy traffic and adverse weather conditions.
4. Establish and enforce ground rules.
• Explain the consequences of unsafe behaviors and other hazards common for new drivers.
• Establish house rules for young driver’s safety. Consider a Parent-Teen Driving Agreement.
• Discuss consequences for rule violations and enforce them.
5. Stay involved after your teen is driving alone.
• Remember parents influence a teen’s driving behavior more than anyone else.
• Focus on SAFETY rather than control.
• Monitor where your teen is going, who else will be in the car and when he’s expected home.
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