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It's time to make the world a safer place to drive.
When surveys indicate that a majority of teen drivers look to their parents as the best influence in getting them to drive more carefully, it’s time to step up, take notice, and take action. The “Safe Teen and Novice Driver Uniform Protection Act of 2009”, also known as the STANDUP Act, was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives in April 2009 as H.R. 1875. The bill is designed to encourage all states to enact Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) laws that would require new drivers have more on-the-road driving experience to help reduce the alarming trend of teen driving accidents and deaths.

Many states currently have GDL laws on the books, and part of the intent of the STANDUP Act is to provide compliance incentives for states to receive full distribution of federal-aid highway funds if they enact and enforce comprehensive GDL legislation.

Statistics show that teenage drivers between 16 and 20 years of age have a fatality rate that is four times the rate for drivers between 25 and 70 years of age. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the chance of a crash by a 16- or 17-year-old driver is doubled if there are two peers in the vehicle and quadrupled with three or more peers in the vehicle. Adding to the danger is the increasing risk of accidents due to night driving and distractions such as talking to passengers and use of mobile devices for texting.

The insurance professionals at Allstate are taking a stand and want to help teens become safer drivers. Allstate supports the STANDUP Act and has created the Parent-Teen Driving Contract (.pdf) so that parents and teens can start the conversation about safe driving and agree to specific behaviors, rules and consequences. From safe driving practices to avoiding texting, drinking and other distracting behavior, the Parent-Teen Driving Contract is a step in the right direction. Establishing ground rules and consequences is a good way for parents to talk to their teens about the responsibilities that go with the driving privilege and help them succeed.

For more information on the teen safe driving program, contact your local Allstate agent or visit www.allstate.com/teen.

Take a few moments to visit www.facebook.com/save11 and use the tools available to contact Congress with your support for the STANDUP Act.

Step up and help your teen become a safer driver.