How RivCo Parents Can Talk To Their Teens About Driving Safety

MURRIETA, CA — In 2022, there were 2,514 people killed in crashes involving a teenage driver. What's more, car crashes are a leading cause of death among teenagers aged 15 to 18 years old in the U.S.

That's why the Riverside County Sheriff's Department is urging parents to talk to their kids in honor of National Teen Driver Safety Week — and especially before a weekend where many will be hosting Halloween celebrations. The week is observed nationally between Oct. 20 and 26.

"Parents and caregivers play a huge part in keeping teens safe on the road," Riverside County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Michael Hinkle said in a release. "Having these meaningful conversations, setting rules, and being a role model for safe driving can help teens make better choices when they’re driving."

RELATEED: First Responders Teach Teenagers Behind-The-Wheel ‘Road To Safety’

A meaningful conversation could look like a parent discussing how driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs not only endangers themselves but also other innocent drivers on the road. Guardians are urged to talk to teenagers about the dangers of speeding, texting while driving or not wearing a seatbelt.

Conversation Starters For Parents And Caregivers:

• Parents can get up to speed on the state's provisional licensing law, which places restrictions on passengers and even driving at night during the first year a teen has a license.
• "Lead by example," the sheriff's office advises. "Tell, but also show, your teen how to drive safely."
• Guardians should set ground rules by being firm on rules such as no phone use, limiting distractions by friends, always following the speed limit and always using a seat belt. Here's a parent-teen driving contract provided by law enforcement that can outline specific driving rules.
• Driving alert and sober: Underscore the vital importance of never driving impaired by alcohol or drugs, including marijuana. Teens should understand that they should never ride with others under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Teen Road To Safety in Temecula also offers safety courses to Inland Empire teenagers.

Students take the wheel with instructors who are current or past law enforcement officers and emergency responders. The instructors can apply the brake or lean in with cautionary tales and careful instruction during lessons. Learn more about the program here.

"Anything can happen in an instant. Driving would be much less complicated if we had time to react to dangerous situations, but that isn't realistic," Inland Empire franchise owner Corie Maue said. "We provide students with a wealth of driver safety knowledge to drive safely and confidently."