Greetings parents and kids! Officer Friendly here with some helpful tips on teen driver safety.
During the school year, many teens will be driving to and from school. There will be many other vehicles on the roadway, which will require some extra vigilance and care when driving.
Here are a few tips to review with your teen driver:
• Avoid Distracted Driving – This includes horseplay with other passengers, texting, talking on the phone, eating, and putting on makeup.
• Avoid Racing – With the increase in street racing deaths, it’s important for us as a community to curb this activity. Most of this activity takes place late at night.
• Obey Speed Limits – Speed limits are for everyone’s safety.
• Be a Positive Influence – Be a leader and encourage your friends through positive peer pressure. Help them abstain from distracted driving, speeding, reckless driving, and alcohol/drug consumption.
• Breaking Down – Have a plan if your car breaks down. Know who to call and what to do if you get stranded on the side of the road. Lock the doors and don’t let strangers in. Keep your cell phone charged and handy in case of an emergency. Know what street you are on and the nearest cross street or landmark. Call the local Police Non-Emergency Dispatch number (760-836-3215 ext. 5 Desert Dispatch) if you break down and are alone, so a deputy can come and assist you. REMEMBER: YOUR SAFETY COMES FIRST!
• Keep an Emergency Kit – Don’t forget to keep an emergency kit with extra water in your car. You may never have a need for it, but if you do, you’ll be glad it’s there.
• Watch for Pedestrians/Bicycles – As you are driving, don’t forget about pedestrians and bicycles. Remember when exiting a driveway to look at the sidewalk for pedestrians, then look at the bicycle lane for bicycles, and then the traffic lane for cars.
• Don’t Drink and Drive – Avoid consuming alcohol/drugs or going to locations where you think you will be pressured into drinking alcohol or taking drugs. Never get into a vehicle with a driver who has been drinking or using drugs.
Happy Driving and Stay Safe! – Officer Friendly!
