Paying Your Teenagers Not To Drive?

Hi Parents,

I attended a fundraiser banquet recently and I met a couple sitting next to me and we started talking about our children and realized we both had 2 boys. Their boys are both teenagers, 14 & 16. They told me their children are very well behaved and at the top of their class in school, but they were still concerned about the safety of their children behind the wheel of a car. They said their 16 year old does not have his drivers license yet and they put him on an incentive plan and they pay him $100 every month that he does not drive. They know the statistics on how many children drink and drive and lose their life and they said so far their incentive program is working. Their son is motivated to take the cash and right now has no desire to learn to drive.

They also said they have a no questions asked cab fare program and they will cover any cab fares at any time encouraging their sons not to get into a car with friends that may have been drinking.

Is this taking it to far and hindering the natural growth and development of children or is this a smart parenting approach that other parents should adopt?

If you have teenagers, I would love to hear your stories about allowing your children to drive or other programs you may have in place to encourage safe teen driving.

I still have 6 years until I have to worry about this issue so I would love to hear your stories so that I can be prepared for this monumental milestone in a child's life.

Thanks,

Julie
aka: Caring Mom

 

Comments

[Hans]

I grew up and learned how to drive in Mountain View in the 1980's. Youth and house parties went hand in hand back then... as I'm sure they do now. I won't go into the details but irresponsible behavior was pretty common. The behavior wasn't malicious it mater of wisdom - or rather the lack of wisdom. I'd have to say getting kids through their late teens at the cost of delaying their license is a small price to pay. So what if they only drive for 68 yrs of their life rather than 70? It's not like driving is a character building skill. So in short I think bribery in this case is an outstanding idea!