National Teen Driver Safety Week is October 18-24, 2020
Ventura, Calif. — This week, October 18 – 24, 2020, is National Teen Driver Safety Week. The Ventura Police Department (VPD) is encouraging parents to discuss the importance of safe driving habits with their teens as newly licensed drivers.
“National Teen Driver Safety Week is a good time to review the rules of the road with young drivers who are naturally less experienced,” said Ventura Police Sergeant, Mike Brown. “Parents play an important role in helping teens stay safe behind the wheel. It starts with practicing good habits like wearing a seat belt, driving defensibly, following the speed limit, and staying off the phone.”
The greatest risk for teen drivers is distracted driving, speeding, and impairment. In 2017, 271 teens (about 9%) drivers involved in fatal crashes were distracted.
Here are five top tips to review with teenage drivers to ensure safe travels:
Avoid Distractions: Cell phone use while driving is illegal. Drivers under 18 are not allowed to use a phone or other electronic device for any reason, including hands-free.
Understand Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) Laws: For the first 12 months you have a license or until the age of 18, no passengers under 20 years old are allowed unless a licensed parent, guardian or other adult 25 years old or older is in the car with you. Late-night driving is not permitted between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m.
Never Drive Under the Influence: All teens are too young to legally buy, possess, or consume alcohol. Under California’s zero tolerance law, any driver under 21 cannot drink any alcohol and drive (blood alcohol concentration of .01% or higher).
Follow the Speed Limit: The road is not a racetrack. Speeding is a risky behavior that increases the chances of serious injury or death in a crash.
Wear a Seat Belt: Wearing a seat belt is an easy way to stay safe. Teens have the lowest rate of seat belt use among all age groups.
“Driving is one of the most dangerous tasks we do each day,” said Ventura Police Officer, David Curtis. “It’s important for parents to let their teen know that driving is not a right, but a privilege. It can be taken away when rules aren’t followed.”
For more safe driving tips to share with your teens, visit gosafelyca.org. To learn more about state laws for different traffic safety issues, visit the Governors Highway Safety Association website.
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