Timeless safety advice for new, and all, drivers

Dear Annie: I have three grandchildren, and they’re all approaching the age where they’ll be learning how to drive. I used to have a clipping of John Violette’s “Contract for Drivers,” but it’s old and illegible now. Would you be able to print it? — Tutu from Hawaii

Dear Tutu: I am glad to print these wise words and implore all drivers to remember they are operating a ton of steel, often at incredible speeds and life can change in an instant.

CONTRACT FOR DRIVERS

By John Violette

It is understood and agreed that having a driver’s license and driving a car are privileges. Any privilege has to be earned, and it must be earned on a continuing basis. This means that driving privileges may be revoked due to an infraction of the following rules:

1. Breaking the driving laws or abusing a motor vehicle can result in the loss of driving privileges, even if we learn about it from a source other than the police. You never know who may be observing you.

2. You will strive to maintain the grades, conduct and attitude at the same high level as when we first granted your driving privileges.

3. No one else should be allowed to drive a vehicle entrusted to you. This means you may not lend your vehicle to friends.

4. If you are ever in a condition that might render you less than 100% competent behind the wheel of a car, phone us. We will come get you. This will not result in the loss of your driving privileges.

5. You are never to be a passenger in a car in which the driver should not be driving. A call to come get you will not result in the loss of driving privileges. If you cannot reach us, call a taxi. We will pay for it, and there will be no punishment.

Signed this _______________ day of ______________, 20_ _ . Dad: _____________________ Mom: ____________________ Newly Licensed Driver: _____ ____________________________

Dear Annie: Tell “Mortified” that I, too, have those embarrassing pop-up memories. Most of the time, the memories are of very minor incidences that for some reason are stuck in our minds.

I know I’m a good person with no criminal past and I’m kind and thoughtful. So when I have these memories, I try to remind myself of this. I try to remember the occasion. I also try to recall ANY occasions when someone else did something embarrassing. I can’t recall any. We are so focused on ourselves that we hardly notice other’s actions unless it’s something serious. — Mortified, Too

Dear Mortified, Too: Not a single thing comes to my mind when I try to think of something embarrassing that someone I know has done. Thanks for the revelation.

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