CHP to Steer Teen Drivers in The Right Direction

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) has recently issued a press release about a grant they received to help improve teen driver safety in the state. The CHP is offering the Start Smart teen driver safety program to help address some of the most common risk factors for teen driver crashes. Teen drivers are the least experienced drivers on the road, and they’re also a demographic that is frequently getting into distraction-related crashes. Funding for this grant is coming from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.  

Start Smart Class for Teen Drivers  

The Start Smart class is a free two-hour class that teaches new drivers about the rules and responsibilities of the road. Parents or guardians are also encouraged to attend the class, which can help to increase accountability and get parents and teens on the same page when it comes to safety rules behind the wheel. Parents or teens who are interested in registering for a Start Smart class, should contact their local CHP office.  

California Teen Car Accidents by The Numbers  

  • Between federal fiscal years 2020 and 2022, there was a combined total of 21,308 fatal and injury-causing crashes in the CHP’s jurisdiction involving at least one teen driver between the ages of 15 and 19 years old.  
  • Additionally, fatal and injury crashes increased by 10 percent over that time.  

Opening a Dialogue About Safe Driving With Teens  

Parents are encouraged to actively participate in their teen’s driving education. The Start Smart class is a great place to learn together and start the conversation about safe driving. Risk factors like speeding, distractions and even peer passengers will be discussed. Even though parents might not feel very influential with their teens, driving is one topic where the data shows talking to your kids really makes a difference in their safety.  

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.