Safe Rides Save Lives

 Imagine this: your teen is at a party, feeling uncomfortable because alcohol is being served. They don’t want to drink, but their ride home is not safe. Do they pick up the phone and call you — or do they stay quiet out of fear of punishment?



Unfortunately, for too many families, the answer is silence. A national survey found that over 85% of teens say they would avoid calling their parents for help in an unsafe situation because they fear discipline (Powered by Partners, 2024). That hesitation can be deadly when impaired driving, alcohol, or drugs are involved. The good news is that parents can change this dynamic — by putting a family safe ride policy in place.

Teens avoid calling home for help not because they don’t care about their safety, but because they are afraid of the immediate fallout. They worry about being yelled at, grounded, or losing privileges like their phone or car keys. For some, it feels safer to risk riding with an impaired driver than to face punishment. This is a heartbreaking choice — and one we can prevent by making our priorities clear.

A safe ride policy is a simple but powerful family agreement. If your teen is ever in a situation where they feel unsafe — whether due to alcohol, drugs, or simply an uncomfortable environment — they can call you anytime, anywhere. You promise to pick them up without judgment or punishment in that moment. Consequences and discussions about their choices can happen later, after everyone is home safe. By putting safety above punishment, parents send a clear message: Your life matters more than anything else.

Here are a few steps families can take to create their own safe ride plan:

  1. Have the Conversation: Sit down with your teen and explain the policy. Be direct: “If you ever feel unsafe, I will come get you. No lectures in the moment. I just want you safe.”

  2. Put It in Writing: Some families create a written agreement or family contract. This can make the commitment feel more real for both parents and teens.

  3. Create a Code Word: To make calling for help easier, develop a code word or phrase your teen can text you when they need a ride but don’t want peers to know. Example: “Can you drop off the homework?” could signal they need you immediately.

  4. Clarify Follow-Up: Let your teen know that consequences (if needed) will be discussed later, calmly, and with their safety at the center.

A safe ride policy is about more than just transportation — it’s about creating a culture of trust at home. When teens know their parents care more about their safety than discipline, they are more likely to reach out in emergencies, tell parents about risky situations before they escalate, and build stronger, more open communication long-term. Research shows that teens who feel connected to their parents are less likely to engage in risky behaviors, including drinking and drug use (SAMHSA, 2022).

At SSAPCO, we know prevention is not just about teaching youth to say no — it’s about creating practical supports that keep them safe in the real world. Programs like Every 15 Minutes, held in May at Salmon High School, drive home the dangers of impaired driving. But these lessons are strongest when reinforced at home with consistent family rules and safety nets. The combination of clear no-use expectations and a safe ride policy gives teens both boundaries and security. It sets the standard while also offering grace when they need help most.

A parent’s worst nightmare is losing a child in a preventable accident. Yet too many families face this reality every year because teens felt they couldn’t call for help. By implementing a safe ride policy, you’re not excusing risky behavior — you’re prioritizing life. You’re telling your teen: “I may not always agree with your choices, but nothing matters more to me than your safety.”

It’s a simple step, but one that could save your child’s life.

Sources:

  • Powered by Partners. (2024). Teen Perceptions of Parent Communication and Help-Seeking Behavior.

  • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). (2022). Talk. They Hear You.® Campaign.

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2022). Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System.

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