The Carlsbad Police Department is calling on parents and guardians to have frank discussions about safe driving with their teenagers as National Teen Driver Safety Week takes place October 18-24.
Vehicle crashes remain one of the top causes of death among teenagers between 15 and 18 years old across the country. Federal highway safety data shows that 2,320 people died in collisions involving teen drivers in 2024, while California specifically saw 496 fatalities in crashes involving drivers age 20 or younger that same year.
Sergeant Conrad Page-DeMorst emphasized that conversations at home can significantly influence how young people behave behind the wheel. He noted that when parents and guardians address topics like distracted driving, excessive speed, and impaired driving, they equip teens with critical decision-making skills for real-world situations.
Police officials stress that teens need to understand the serious consequences of dangerous driving practices, including texting while operating a vehicle, failing to buckle seat belts, driving too fast, and getting behind the wheel after consuming alcohol or drugs.
The California Department of Motor Vehicles provides several no-cost resources designed specifically for young drivers, including a mobile-accessible driver handbook, instructional videos, and a Teen Driver Roadmap that guides both teens and parents through the preparation process. The state Office of Traffic Safety also offers a web-based driving simulation called The Road Ahead, which allows teens, parents, and educators to practice safe driving in realistic scenarios. This initiative receives support through grant funding from the California Office of Traffic Safety and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.