Junior & Senior High School - Safety

Automobile accidents are the leading cause of death and disability during the teenage years. You can help your adolescent to practice good automotive safety by:

• Modeling safe driving practices (e.g. avoiding alcohol, using safety belts) and discuss family rules about driving before your adolescent is eligible to drive.
• Help your adolescent understand that driving is a privilege and a responsibility.
  Insist that your adolescent and all passengers wear safety belts.
• Remind your adolescent to concentrate when driving and to avoid distractions (e.g., loud music, eating, talking on the phone while driving).
• Discuss with your adolescent the dangers of drinking and driving. Write and sign a "no drinking and driving" contract with your adolescent.
• Urge your adolescent to always call you for a ride if he or another driver has been drinking. Be sure your adolescent understands that you will pick him up at any time if he has been drinking.
• Advocate for and participate in alchol-free community events (e.g., proms, graduation parties).

Additional safety suggestions:

• Be certain that they know how to swim.
• Suggest that they take a CPR class and first aid classes.
• Reduce their risk of developing skin cancer by limiting time in the sun and applying sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher) before going outside. Avoid tanning salons.
• Test smoke alarms in your home to be sure they work properly. Change batteries yearly.
  Know what to do in case of a fire or other emergency. Review fire safety plans at home.
• Have them wear protective gear (e.g., eye protection, mouth guard, helmet, knee and elbow pads) for sports and other physical activities such as in-line skating.
• Avoid high noise levels, especially when using earphones.
• Do not carry a weapon of any kind.
• Teach them techniques to protect them from physical, emotional, and sexual abuse or rape.
• Instruct them to seek help if they are physically or sexually abused or fear that they are in danger.

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