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FOUNTAIN VALLEY (CNS) - The Fountain Valley Police Department Wednesday reminded the public that it's National Teen Driver Safety Week.
The special awareness program, which started Sunday and will run until this Saturday, was designed to encourage parents and guardians to talk with teen drivers about following the rules of the road and how safe driving can help save lives.
Car accidents are the leading cause of death for teens between 15 to 18 years-old in the country, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
In 2022, there were 2,514 people killed in crashes involving a teen driver, and young drivers were involved in nearly 12% of all fatal crashes statewide, despite accounting for 5% of all licensed drivers in the country.
The FVPD reminded parents and guardians of young motorists to discuss the dangers of risky driving such as speeding, texting while driving and not wearing a seatbelt.
Officials advised teens to understand the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
"Parents and caregivers play a huge part in keeping teens safe on the road," Sgt. Heather Williams said. "Having these meaningful conversations, setting rules, and being a role model for safe driving can help teens make better choices when they're driving."
Police have offered the following tips to parents and guardians about safe driving with teens:
-- Learn about California's provisional licensing law, which places restrictions on passengers and driving at night during the first year teens have a license;
-- Have driving sessions with your teen. Tell, but also show, your teen how to drive safely;
-- Be firm on rules such as no phone use, eliminating distractions by friends, always following the speed limit, and always buckling up. Create a parent-teen driving contract to outline specific driving guidelines, and;
-- Emphasize the importance of never driving impaired or riding with someone who has been driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Funding for the safety program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the NHTSA.
