National Teen Driver Safety Week begins this week, and the California Highway Patrol is reminding parents to discuss driving safety with their young drivers. Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for teens aged 15 to 18 years old in the United States, more than any other type of injury, disease, and violence. In 2017, 77 people were killed by drivers aged 15 to 18. Safe driving habits include avoiding distractions such as cell phones, using seat belts, obeying speed limits, never driving under the influence, and limiting the number of passengers in the vehicle. The CHP offers a free driver’s education course for teens called Start Smart. The course teaches the driver’s responsibilities and collision-avoidance techniques.
