Zero Fatalities Parent/Teen Nights

Post date: Oct 13, 2009 7:54:25 AM

2018-19 Zero Fatalities Parent/Teen Nights

Note: RHS & BHS are combining Parent/Teen Nights in 2018-19

1st Quarter: Monday, October 8th @ Riverton HS

2nd Quarter: Monday, November 5th @ Bingham HS

3rd Quarter: Monday, March 4th @ Riverton HS

4th Quarter: Monday, April 1st (no joke) @ Bingham HS

Summer Classes 2019: TBA

Parents and Students,

In my opinion, Driver Education is one of the most important classes a student can take during their high school experience. The leading cause of teenage deaths in America is motor vehicle crashes. I believe the overwhelming majority of these crashes are preventable. It will take a united partnership between students, teachers, and parents to help eliminate these unnecessary crashes and deaths.

The purpose of the Zero Fatalities Nights is to help our students and parents to successfully meet Standard 1* of the current USOE Core Standards for Driver Education (see below). Research has clearly shown that when this happens, teenage drivers are more likely to exhibit safe driving behaviors. In my 24 years of teaching Driver Education, the Zero Fatalities Night has been the most productive method for facilitating this discussion. The Zero Fatalities presenters are professional and passionate about saving lives. The positive reviews from parents and the revealing feedback from students shows that this is a critical component of our Driver Education program. Thank you for spending some of your valuable time to support your son or daughter and help him or her to begin a lifetime of safe, defensive driving.

Please review the information below. This is discussed thoroughly multiple times in class, listed in the class disclosure, listed on the school website and PTSA newsletter (The Howler), and multiple flyers. Thanks again for supporting your son or daughter and our community.


  • This is a cooperative assignment between student/teacher/parents and is 10% of the student's classroom grade. At least one parent/guardian should attend.
  • The goal is 1) for parents and students to learn about the GDL program and the 5 deadly driving behaviors, and 2) have a meaningful discussion about these things and other important things related to driving.
  • Currently enrolled Dr. Ed. students ARE required to attend and the time spent counts as part of your 27 hours of required class time.
  • Family members (and friends) are welcome to attend. Everyone who attends this powerful presentation will benefit. It is a valuable family experience.
  • If it is absolutely impossible for one parent or the student to make arrangements to attend, there are two alternatives available: 1) the best option is to attend the presentation on another evening at a neighboring school during your respective classroom quarter, or 2) the "last resort" option is to participate in a student-led alternative assignment with your son/daughter. Your son/daughter can get the alternative dates or the alternative homework assignment from Coach Galley. Either option will satisfy the classroom assignment requirement.


STRAND 1: PARENT OR GUARDIAN INVOLVEMENT IN MODELING GOOD DRIVING HABITS

Parent or guardian involvement is a major part of the driver education process. Studies show that children who have higher parent or guardian involvement tend to be safer drivers and have fewer crashes over their lifetimes. The Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) laws require the parent or guardian to become more involved in their teen driver's learning period Utah's GDL law was passed in 1999 and according to the Utah Department of Health, there has been a 62% decrease in the fatalities of teens ages 15-17. Educating parents or guardians on their involvement with their teen's driving safety and GDL laws is imperative to the success of the novice driver.

Standard 1.1 Students will identify and understand the current GDL laws and provide evidence of a discussion about the laws with a parent or guardian.

Standard 1.2 Students will identify and understand the steps in obtaining an original Utah driver's license.

Standard 1.3 Students will describe how emotional situations can lead to dangerous driving behaviors and provide evidence of a discussion with a parent or guardian.

Standard 1.4 Students will describe the responsibilities of owning and operating a vehicle. These responsibilities include environmental impact, especially air quality, financial and legal responsibility, and vehicle operation and maintenance. Provide evidence of a discussion with a parent or guardian.