CARLSBAD–National Teen Driver Safety Week is October 20 to 26, and the City of Carlsbad Police Department is partnering with the California Office of Traffic Safety to ask parents and guardians to start a discussion with their teens about safety and the rules of the road.
Driving remains the most dangerous activity for teens and vehicle collisions are the leading cause of death for teens 15 to 18-years-old. In 2017, 2,247 people were killed in crashes involving a teen driver, according to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and according to the California Highway Patrol, six out of every 10 crashes involving teens were caused by driver distraction.
“Like anything new, it takes practice and experience to be a good driver,” noted Police Chief Neil Gallucci. “Now is the time to start a conversation with your teen about safe driving habits and let’s work together to keep our teens safe on the roadway.”
Tips to help parents and guardians start a conversation with their teen
- Understand a Graduated Driver License (GDL): Learn about California’s GDL laws, which place restrictions on passengers and driving at night during the first year a teen has a license.
- Lead by example and have driving sessions with your teen.
- Set ground rules for not using the phone while driving, no friends in the car, following the speed limit and never driving after drinking or using drugs. Establish consequences you will enforce if your teen breaks the rules.
- Help your teen understand the consequences. Teach teens about zero-tolerance laws regarding alcohol and California’s cell phone law, which bars drivers under 18 from using a cell phone for any reason, including hands-free.
- Emphasize the importance of never riding with someone who has been drinking or using drugs.
Funding for the program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.