Sponsorship Supports Teen Driver Education and the Role of the Parent

Dover – The Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) announced today the rollout of a new driving program to help parents and guardians of Delaware teen drivers. The Parent’s Supervised Driving Program, which is sponsored by Ford Motor Company, is designed to prevent one of the major causes of automobile crashes, injuries and deaths – inexperienced drivers.

Teen drivers are four times more likely to be killed and fourteen times more likely to be injured in crashes than any other age group, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).  This program optimizes the 50 hours of supervised driving time required in the first 6 months of Graduated Diver Licensure (GDL) for Delaware teens, ensuring they become safer drivers.

“We set the example for our new drivers with the actions we take behind the wheel.  By being good models, we become the best teachers for our young people and help keep everyone safe on the road,” said Governor Jack Markell.

The program is geared towards skill development and expanding education for teens on road conditions and driving time with their parents prior to being able to drive independently. The Parent’s Supervised Driving Program offers parents the guidance on how to approach each supervised driving session as well as how to continue teen driving education beyond the State requirement. Teens are required to complete 50 hours of driving, 10 hours which must be at night, prior to being able to drive unsupervised in Delaware. The program brochure includes a driving log to help parents and teens track the required driving hours and time of day, weather conditions and the skill set necessary to drive safely.

“The guidance offered to teens during their supervision period will prepare them to safely maneuver and react in all driving conditions. It will give them the foundation they need for a safe driving experience that will carry throughout his or her life. I am proud to say that Delaware does more for the parents and guardians of teen drivers because of this new program,” explained Jennifer Cohan, Director, Division of Motor Vehicles.

“The skills outlined in this Program are meant to help teens learn to be better drivers. It is one of the ways Ford works to help teens,” said Steve Kenner, Global Director of Ford’s Automotive Safety Office. “In addition to this program, Ford also offers Driving Skills for Life, which gives teens advanced real world training. Ford also offers MyKey technology, which gives parents options to help encourage safe driving behaviors even when the parents aren’t in the car.”

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The program curriculum will be made available through multiple platforms, primarily through the distribution of the printed version that will be given to the authorized sponsor at the DMV office when teens receive their GDL. Parents and teens are also invited to connect to the program online and through social media.

Through a unique partnership, the DMV is able to provide this valuable resource to parents of teen drivers at no cost to families or taxpayers. The sponsorship allows the program to address a need by providing parents with a resource to ensure their teen receives a safe and educated driving experience on the road prior to receiving their license.

The program was developed in conjunction with Safe Roads Alliance, a not for profit advocate for improved highway safety. “Parents are in the best position to assure that their teens become safe, smart drivers. This program gives them a resource that will help teens make good decisions once they are licensed,” said program creator and President of Safe Roads Alliance, Jeff Larson.

For more information on the program go online to www.theparentssuperviseddrivingprogram.com.

Additional media can be found at: www.theparentssuperviseddrivingprogram.com/media

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About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 175,000 employees and 65 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding the company and Ford products, please visit www.corporate.ford.com.

 About Safe Roads Alliance

Safe Roads Alliance is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving highway safety by improving driver education with particular emphasis on behind-the-wheel training.

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