Ground Your Parents
What is the Ground Your Parents Project?
The Ground Your Parents (GYP) Project empowers Driver Education students to engage their parents or guardians in critical conversations about driving habits. Students become advocates for safety through activities like issuing mock citations, completing safe driving report cards, and giving affirmations.
Why This Project Matters
- High Risk: Teens (ages 15–20) face higher crash fatality rates.
- Nebraska Focus: 78% of teen traffic fatalities involved no seat belt use.
- Parental Influence: Actively involved parents significantly reduce risky teen driving behaviors.
- Community Impact: Safer teen drivers = safer communities.
Program Timeline
| Activity |
Timing |
| Introduction |
Day 1 |
| Pre-Activity Surveys (students + parents) |
Day 1 |
| Daily Check-ins |
Days 2-5 |
| Social Media Posting (optional) |
Days 2-5 |
| Post-Activity Reflection + Survey |
Final Day |
| 3-Month & 6-Month Follow-Up Surveys |
Post-Course |
What's in the Student Kits?
Goals of the Ground Your Parents Project (SMARTIE Goals)
- Increase seat belt usage by 15%.
- Reduce distracted driving by 20%.
- Decrease speeding behaviors by 15%.
- Increase responsible alcohol driving behaviors by 25%.
- Boost parent-teen discussions about driving by 30%.
- Promote positive attitude shifts toward safe driving for both teens and adults.
Together, we can drive change, one family at a time
Share your experience on social media channels
Tag @nebraskasafetycenter use #groundyourparents
Questions?
Contact: Kaitlyn Richardson
(402) 480-6859
richardsonke@unk.edu
