Dear Ann Landers,
am sending you a contract I have devised for parents of teenagers about to obtain their driver's license for the first time. Parents can use this contract to help their children become better and safer drivers, not to mention the possibility of preventing injuries and saving a life. I hope you will print it. --John Violette, Nederland, Texas

Dear John Violette,
Thank you for sharing what appears to be a splendid idea. You have written a contract that sets forth clear, no- nonsense guidelines that are sure to give a teenager a good idea of what is expected of him or her. I urge all parents who have teenagers who are now driving or soon will be to clip this column, discuss it with their teens and get a signature. Contract for Drivers It is understood and agreed that having a driver's license and driving a motor vehicle 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: 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. You will strive to maintain the grades, conduct and attitude at the same high level as when we first granted your driving privileges. No one else should be allowed to drive a vehicle entrusted to you. This means you may not lend your vehicle to friends. If you are ever in a condition that might render you less than 100 percent competent behind the wheel of a car, phone us. We will come get you. This will not result in the loss of driving privileges. 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, hire a taxi. We will pay for it, and there will be no punishment. Signed this day of , 19 Dad Mom Newly Licensed Driver Alcohol doesn't just affect the person who is drinking it. It can also affect a woman's unborn child. Studies show that babies bom of alcoholic mothers have lower birth weight, more developmental problems and a harder time learn-ing. Even a small amount of alcohol taken while the fetus is forming can have devastating effects.