National Sheriffs’ Association Promotes National Teen Driver Safety Week
National Teen Driver Safety Week takes place October 20 to 26, 2019. Now in its 12th year, National Teen Driver Safety Week is dedicated to raising awareness and seeking solutions to prevent teen injuries and deaths on the road. This grassroots movement has brought millions of teens, parents, schools, law enforcement, advocates, and policymakers from across the country together to tackle the number one cause of death for teens in the U.S. – car crashes. (Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia- Research Institute)
Teach Your Teen the "5 to Drive" Rules:
- No cell phones
- No extra passengers
- No speeding
- No alcohol or drugs
- Buckle up!
Tips for parents and caregivers (NHTSA)
- Learn about your State’s GDL laws. Note that the laws and restrictions can vary from State to State. Familiarizing yourself with the restrictions placed on your teen's license can better assist you in enforcing those laws. You have the opportunity to establish some important ground rules for your teen driver. Restrict night driving and passengers, prohibit driving while using the phone or other electronic devices, and require seat belt use at all times.
- Talk to your teen about the dangers of drug and alcohol use. Remind them that it is unsafe and illegal to drink under the age of 21, and it is illegal—and deadly—to drink and drive. If a teen is under 21, his or her blood alcohol concentration (BAC) should always be at .00, not just under .08, which is the legal limit for drivers over age 21.
- Be a good role model. Remember that your child looks to you as a driver, so practice safe driving yourself. Set aside time to take your teen on practice driving sessions. It can be a great way to spend time together and to allow your teen to improve some basic driving skills. Your teen's learning starts at home.
- Don't rely solely on a driver's education class to teach your teen to drive. Remember that driver's education should be used as just part of a GDL system.
