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When I was 16 years old, I was in a car with my girlfriend Leslie. We were on our way to see another friend of ours at an outdoor pool. She was finishing up for the night and we were all going to go out for ice cream afterwards. It was a warm summer night in Montreal and we were having the time of our lives chatting and driving around in her dad’s big caddy.
We came to a stop and we were turning left when all of a sudden my friend shouted: “oh, my God, he’s not going to stop… he’s not going to stop”. In an instant I went from laughing to me being knocked out as the other car ploughed into the passenger side, where I was sitting. I can still see those headlights coming towards us.
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I came too later on and all could see where these thousands of diamonds shinning up at me. Since I had blacked out, I hadn’t realized that my glasses had fallen off. Everything around me just looked liked shinning diamonds. As you can imagine, it was shattered glass that was reflecting the police car’s flashing lights. As I was lead away by another school mate, I started to understand that we had been in a pretty serious car accident.
“They were very lucky” the policeman told our parents the next day as we sat in my living room. I was very bruised and still slightly shaken up. “Leslie’s quick thinking and that seatbelt saved your daughter’s life… its just that simple.” We found out that the man driving the other car was drunk and had run all the stop signs on that long stretch of road. If Leslie hadn’t swerved at the last minute he probably would have killed me instantly. The car was a right-off.
As the time comes for my daughter to start driving, I often reflect on that fateful night over 30 years ago. From that day forward, I made a pledge to never drive without a seatbelt on, never let my passengers neglect to put their seatbelt on and never drive with someone that is under the influence.
Making sure that we teach our kids the rules of the road will make it better for everyone. I know I want her to study for her G1 test and like everyone says: practice makes perfect. Being able to take the G1 test on-line, for FREE is a great way for her to gain confidence and help her learn.
This website is beneficial because you can take 9 different practice tests to prepare for the Ontario Driver’s License G1 test.
BUT the best part about G1.com is a great document that helps you enter into a serious conversation with your children about what it means to be a responsible driver. The Pledge spells out in plain English, in black and white, on paper what the rules of responsible driving are all about. It is more then just maintaining the speed limit and following road signs.
Click on the Image to Download your copy of The Pledge
I am going to ask my 17 year old daughter to take a pledge, from G1.ca. They have prepared a parent-driver contract that asks young drivers to drive responsibly. That means:
- NO texting or calling
- NO getting behind the wheel while under the influence (of alcohol or drugs)
- NO drag racing or stunt driving to show off
- NO disregarding seatbelts
- NO distracted driving caused by eating, loud music or horsing around
This pledge is available as a PDF printable and it is something that all parents should commit to with their young drivers. It clearly sets out the ‘dos’ and ‘don’ts’ of driving. The best thing is that if there are infractions and defined consequences. You customize it to what ‘speaks’ to your teen but it is all set out for you. So no excuses… review the consequences with your young driver… right. from. the. get. go.
An excerpt of the pledge:
Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions are my own. I am happy to write this blog post to get more young drivers and parents to have a conversation about safe driving practices.
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That must have been so scary – even with an ok ending……we are a long ways off from my kids driving, but I think this pledge is a great idea.
I’m just glad that there is a website that can help them do a number of practice tests and not just one. Practice makes perfect… and gives you time to reflect. Thanks for dropping by.
What a frightening story! How lucky you and your friends are to be alive! Yes, this is a very important pledge to make with your child.
I have to say, her parents we stunned when they say the car. They were amazed that we both made it through. Big, Big car completed totaled. Can you imagine the speed he was going? Nuts.
what a horrible experience! so glad you guys made it out okay! teens and everyone for that matter have think responsibly every time they get behind the wheel!
I don’t think of that accident often but I have to say, now that my oldest is getting her driver’s license, its something I definitely think of.
I am so glad you were all okay! A parent-driver contract is such a great idea!
The good thing about a contract is that you can have an open dialogue about what needs to be said. It can happen in an instant and they need to know its o.k. to say…”nope, I’m not getting into your car and either are you.”
What a great website this is! A lot has changed since I first got my license, but this looks like it is for the better. I to know first hand what it is like to be in an accident with a drunk driver. I hope this new app will help our children to commit to being better, more prepared drivers.
I have to say, they are more aware but sometimes the ones that need to hear that message are the adults. Thanks for dropping by Suzanne.