Teen Driving Safety Week San Jose Police Department- Don’t text while driving_1

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From October 20 to 26, the National Teen Driver Safety Week serves as an important reminder for parents and caregivers to engage in discussions with teenagers about the significance of following traffic laws and how safe driving can save lives. The San Jose Police Department (SJPD) is leveraging this week to encourage these vital conversations.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), car accidents are the leading cause of death among teenagers aged 15 to 18 in the United States. In 2022, collisions involving teen drivers resulted in 2,514 fatalities. Alarmingly, although young drivers make up only 5% of all licensed drivers in the country, they were responsible for nearly 12% of all fatal accidents in California that year.

SJPD emphasizes the dangers of risky driving behaviors, such as speeding, texting while driving, and neglecting to wear seatbelts. Additionally, it’s crucial for teenagers to understand the severe consequences of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

A spokesperson from SJPD stated, “Parents and caregivers play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of teens on the road. By having meaningful conversations, establishing rules, and modeling safe driving behavior, they can help teenagers make better choices while behind the wheel.”

To assist parents and guardians in initiating discussions about safe driving with their teens, the SJPD has outlined several recommendations:

1. Familiarize yourself with California’s provisional driver’s license laws, which impose restrictions on passengers and night driving for the first year of licensure.
2. Lead by example—when driving with your child, explain safe driving practices and demonstrate proper behavior.
3. Set clear rules and ensure strict adherence to guidelines such as no phone use, obeying speed limits, and always wearing seatbelts—detailing these driving guidelines can be beneficial.
4. Stress that there is absolutely no tolerance for driving under the influence, whether it be alcohol or drugs, and underscore the importance of avoiding rides with intoxicated individuals.

By implementing these strategies, the San Jose Police Department aims to effectively reduce the incidence of teen driving accidents and enhance the safety of young drivers on the roads.