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The California Highway Patrol (CHP) recently issued a press release about the launching of their new teen driver safety classes. The grant-funded Start Smart Teen Driver Safety Education Program XV is now offering new Start Smart classes for teen drivers in California. The CHP kicked off these new classes, which are aimed at drivers between the ages of 15 and 19 years old, during National Teen Driver Safety Week (October 16-22). The Start Smart classes are all about helping teens learn how to avoid distractions behind the wheel and also understand the dangers and challenges facing drivers in their age group.  

California Teen Driving Crash Stats  

According to the CHP, there are nearly 792,970 licensed teen drivers in the State of California. That number represents a six-percent increase from the previous year. Additionally, in 2020, there were 6,644 fatal and injury-causing crashes involving teen drivers. The teen driver age group (15 to 19 years old) also has the largest population of drivers who were distracted at the time of a fatal crash.  

The CHP’s Start Smart Class is Free  

If you’re interested in registering for a Start Smart class for your teen driver, contact your local CHP office. The class is free, and a parent or guardian is also required to attend. It’s a two-hour class, and you may be able to get your teen driver’s insurance lowered upon completion. This informative class will also help to open a dialogue between teen drivers and their parents. Parents who are talking to their teen drivers about safety issues behind the wheel are improving safety for their children and the motorists they share the road with.  

Teen Driver Safety in San Diego  

In addition to inexperience, teen drivers have a variety of safety factors to learn about and consider before they get behind the wheel. For parents, it can be a bit overwhelming. The CHP’s Start Smart class is a great resource for new drivers and their parents.  

If you have been injured or if you have lost a loved one in a car accident involving a teen driver in San Diego or anywhere in Southern California, contact the skilled and proven team at Harris Personal Injury Lawyers, Inc. at 1.800.GO.HARRIS for a free case consultation today.