National Teen Driver Safety Week will take place from October 19 to 25, with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office – San Jacinto Station urging parents and caregivers to speak with their teens about driving safely.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, car crashes remain a leading cause of death for teenagers aged 15 to 18 in the United States. In 2023, there were 2,611 fatalities in crashes involving teen drivers nationwide. On California roads that same year, 465 people died in collisions involving drivers aged 20 or younger, representing nearly 11.5% of all traffic-related deaths.
The San Jacinto Sheriff’s Station is reminding adults to address dangerous driving behaviors such as speeding, texting while driving, and not wearing seat belts when talking with teens. They also encourage discussions about the risks of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
“Parents and caregivers play a critical role in teaching teens safe driving habits,” Sergeant Patrick Lynch 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.”
The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office has provided guidance for parents and guardians on how to begin conversations about safe driving practices with their teenagers.
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