RCPD encourages parents to talk with their teens about how safe driving can help save lives.

Car crashes are a leading cause of death for teens (15–18 years old) in the United States. According to the NHTSA, in 2023, there were 2,611 people killed in crashes involving a teen driver. In 2023, 465 people were killed in crashes on California roads involving drivers aged 20 or younger, accounting for nearly 11.5% of fatalities in traffic crashes.

Teen drivers should be reminded of the dangers of risky driving behaviors like speeding, texting while driving, or not wearing a seatbelt. Teens should also understand the serious dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and it's up to parents to have these meaningful conversations, set rules, and be a role model for safe driving to help teens make better choices when they’re driving.

Here are some conversation tips for discussions about safe driving for teens:

• Provisional Driver’s License: Learn about California’s provisional licensing law, which places restrictions on passengers and driving at night during the first year of their license.
• Lead by example: When driving with your teen, demonstrate safe driving practices.
• Set ground rules: Be firm on rules such as no phone use, eliminating distractions, always following the speed limit, and always buckling up. You may consider creating a driving contract to outline specific driving guidelines.
• Sober driving: Emphasize the importance of never driving impaired or riding with someone who has been driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

RCPD cares about our teen drivers, and we want to see them make good decisions to help keep them, their friends and family, and the community safe.

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