The Fresno Police Department is encouraging parents and caregivers to have conversations with their teens about safe driving habits as part of National Teen Driver Safety Week, which runs from Oct. 19–25.

Car crashes are one of the leading causes of death for teenagers ages 15 to 18 in the United States, the department said in a news release.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 2,611 people were killed in crashes involving a teen driver in 2023.

In California, 465 people were killed in crashes involving drivers 20 or younger, accounting for nearly 11.5% of all traffic fatalities that year.

Parents Should Talk About Risky Driving Behaviors

The department is reminding parents to address risky driving behaviors, including speeding, texting behind the wheel and not wearing seat belts. Teens should also understand the dangers of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

To help families start the conversation, the department recommends parents learn about California’s provisional licensing law, lead by example during practice drives, set clear ground rules, and emphasize the importance of sober driving.

The campaign is supported by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

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