In commemoration of National Teen Driver Safety Week, the Fremont Police Department is urging parents to play a pivotal role in fostering responsible driving habits among teenagers. The initiative aims to address the alarming statistics that identify car crashes as the leading cause of death for teens aged 15 to 18 in the United States.
According to a news release issued by the agency, in 2021 alone, an estimated 94,201 teen passengers suffered injuries in car crashes, emphasizing the critical need for enhanced safety awareness among young drivers. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that crashes involving teen drivers resulted in approximately 170,083 injuries, constituting almost 7% of all roadway injuries during that year.
Lieutenant Ramin Mahboobi of the Fremont Police emphasized the influential role parents play in shaping their teens’ driving behavior. “Parents are the first and most influential driving instructors for their teens,” Mahboobi stated. “During National Teen Driver Safety Week, we want to remind parents that they are key to keeping their teens safe behind the wheel. By actively engaging in conversations about safe driving and setting a positive example, parents can make a significant impact on their teenager’s driving behavior.”
To facilitate these crucial conversations, the Fremont Police Department offers several tips for parents and guardians to address safe driving with their teens:
- Provisional Driver’s License: Familiarize yourself with California’s provisional licensing law, which imposes restrictions on passengers and night driving during the first year of obtaining a license.
- Lead by Example: Actively participate in driving sessions with your teen. Demonstrate safe driving practices through both words and actions.
- Set Ground Rules: Establish clear rules, such as no phone use, minimizing distractions from friends, adhering to speed limits, and consistently wearing seat belts.
- Sober Driving: Emphasize the critical importance of never driving under the influence or riding with someone who has consumed alcohol.
The program, aimed at enhancing teen driver safety, received funding through a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, facilitated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The initiative reflects a collaborative effort to empower parents with the knowledge and tools needed to ensure the well-being of teen drivers on the road.
