Responsible Driving: A Reality Check

 

 

Objectives: Youth who complete the lesson can

• Define what it means to be a responsible driver
• Identify elements of focused driving
• Understand the interactions among thoughts, feelings, and behaviors

Activities

• Introduction: What is responsible driving
  Youth and parents explore what it means to be a responsible driver.  Brainstorming activity allows participants to identify and share key characteristics of responsible drivers.

• Mind Power = Focused driving
  Participants thoughtfully consider how a driver's state of mind influences his or her driving practices.  Youth and parents learn how to distinguish between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and recognize how all three are linked in the driving process.

• Knowing your own state of mind
  Youth and parents take this thinking (cognitive) process one step further considering the influence of feelings on cognition and behaviors. For example, a driver behind the wheel who is excited, very happy, and worked up about a recent accomplishment may be just as dangerous as the driver who is angry, upset, or exhausted. Feelings do influence behavior and should be recognized as individuals get behind the wheel.  In addition, participants learn how they can change their thinking to drive in a safer manner.

• Homework
  Click here for Interactive Homework

• Parent
  Lessons  
  Parents are reminded to complete at least one parent lesson before the next session.  These lessons provide an opportunity for parents to share personal experiences, learn safe driving skills along with their youth, and practice one-the-road driving experiences.