Sharing the Keys to Teen Safe Driving

I spend a lot of time traveling the state facilitating a parent-teen driving orientation program called Share the Keys (STKs).  STKs is designed for families with teens who will soon be eligible to obtain a driving permit, are currently learning to drive or newly licensed.  Last Friday, I participated in a STKs refresher course and that got me thinking about why I do this.  I enjoy public speaking and I’ve been told many times that I have a knack for it.  But if I’m being totally honest, I do this work because I’m a mother. 

Moms, according to research, have this innate protective instinct that prompts them to do whatever is necessary to protect their children.  Moms also share.  While I’m hell-bent on ensuring that my teenage son survives his most dangerous driving years, I wouldn’t be doing my job as a mother if I didn’t share with my peers what I’ve learned through training, on-the-job experience and years of research.  Car crashes -- the number one killer of teens -- are preventable.   Shining the spotlight on this issue can help moms (and dads) reduce their teen’s crash risk.  

At  least once a month I facilitate a Share the Keys program.  Last week, I worked with several hundred parents and teens at West Morris Central High School and two weeks before that with ten families through a program sponsored by Hackettstown Regional Medical Center.  I enjoy  interacting with these families and learn something new every time I facilitate the program.

So as I write this post on Mother’s Day,  I hope that moms across the state with take advantage of the Share the Keys program.  This gift, which I and nearly 200 other facilitators gladly give, requires only 60-75 minutes of you and your teen’s time.   I promise it will be time well spent, plus you’ll get to spend it with your teen! 

During the interactive program, you’ll learn about Graduated Driving Licensing, the single most effective tool parents have for reducing teen driving crashes, injuries and deaths.  You’ll also discuss how what we do behind the wheel impacts what our teens do and why controlling the keys reduces your teen’s crash risk.   And you and your teen will also have the opportunity try out a parent-teen driving agreement and discuss the challenges teens typically face when driving on their own. 

Participating in Share the Keys is easy and there’s no cost.  Give me a call (908-684-1036) or e-mail me (pfischer550@comcast.net) and I’ll work with you through my role as leader of the New Jersey Teen Safe Driving Coalition.  I can assist you in bringing the program to your community (many are sponsored by PTAs, community health organizations, Municipal Alliances) or help you find a course near you.