Statistics show that 4 out of 5 teens will be in an accident within their first three years of driving. That is unacceptable! The MAC Challenge will heighten awareness of driver distractions, impaired driving, accident prevention, and parent involvement. Let's stand together and make this a safe driving year for our teens.

We want to encourage parents to participate in these events with their teens.

• Distraction driving range (must have a driver's permit or license to participate)
  
• Impaired driving range (must have a driver's permit or license to participate)
  
• Aero Med (helicopter, demo equipment)
  
• Ottawa County Sheriff (seat belt demo)
  
• Zeeland Police Department (Breathalyser demo)
  
• Holland Police Department (BAT Mobile demo)
  
• Mechanics (maintenance of auto, change tires, battery check, etc.)
  
• EMT (equipment, etc.)
  
• Tow Trucks (wrecked autos)
  
• Holland Township Fire Department (Jaws of life demonstration)
  
• Semi Truck (cars parked behind showing blind spots)
• Counter Drug Task Force (National Guard Light Armored Vehicle)
• Local Race Drivers (Really cool cars and safety equipment)
  
• SLIC, SADD (info and help)
  

1. Be involved with your teen's driving. You are given permission to set whatever boundaries you feel will help your teen to drive safe. Your involvement should continue all three years. If you don't set boundaries, they will assume there are none. Know the Who, What, Where, When, your teen is driving. Many parents are expecting a phone call when their teen arrives at their destination.
2. Limit passengers. The first six months are the most crucial. Our recommendation would be no passengers for at least six months. Check out the following statistics:
         Fatal crashes for 16 year olds increases 40% with 1 passenger, 86% with 2, and 182% with 3 or more.
         Fatal crashes for 17 year olds increases 48% with 1 passenger, 158% with 2, and 207% with 3 or more.
   
3. Know who your teen is driving with. They are twice as likely to be killed as a passenger of an inexperienced driver than the driver.
4. Cell phones, music, other distractions: Keep it simple, No Cell Phone Use when the vehicle is running. That means pull to a parking lot or stop at side of road (not quickly at a stop sign). Many studies have been done to show that cell phone use and impaired driving with a .08 Blood Alcohol Content are the same. Limit changing radio stations or songs to when they are stopped.
5. Speeding and Tickets: Speed-related crashes account for 44% of fatalities among 15 - 20 year olds. Set definite consequences if and when your teen decides to break the law and break your trust.
   
6. Seatbelts: Require all passengers to wear seat belts. Using seat belts can reduce risk of dying in a car crash by 45%.
   
7. Accidents: discuss steps your teen should follow after being involved in an accident;
         1. Stop: stay at the accident, stay calm
         2. Check for injuries
         3. Call parents and police
         4. Get a witness if possible
   
8. Drinking and Driving: Drunk driving causes one of every four fatal teen crashes. Make a contract with your teen that states if they are ever in a situation where they must get in a car with someone who has been drinking or they are drinking themselves, they can always call you for a ride home, no matter what time. Consider the alternative!
   
9. Stay positive and encouraging. Boundaries and involvement do not have to come across as limiting. You may want to increase responsibility with increased trust.
10. Stay involved. Teens are our most precious cargo.