South OC Times

During National Teen Driver Safety Week, which runs from October 19 to 25, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department is urging parents and caregivers to speak with their teenagers about safe driving practices before allowing them to drive.

Car crashes remain a significant cause of death for teens aged 15 to 18 in the United States. Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows that in 2023, there were 2,611 fatalities in crashes involving teen drivers. In California alone, drivers aged 20 or younger were involved in incidents that resulted in 465 deaths last year, making up nearly 11.5% of all traffic-related fatalities.

The department emphasizes the importance of discussing risky behaviors such as speeding, texting while driving, and not wearing seat belts. They also stress that teens should be aware of the dangers associated with driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

"Parents and caregivers play a critical role in teaching teens safe driving habits,” said Orange County Sheriff’s Department Traffic Bureau Sergeant Ishii. “Having these meaningful conversations, setting rules, and being a role model for safe driving can help teens make better choices when they’re driving."

Funding for this initiative was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.