Because car crashes are the number one cause of death and injury for teens, the Automobile Club of Southern California is offering a free educational workshop in Palm Desert for the first time on Saturday, May 31 to help parents and teens prepare for the most dangerous years on the road.
Each year, 12,000 teens, ages 16-19, are killed or injured in vehicle crashes. The Auto Club has successfully spearheaded several laws to place additional life-saving restrictions on California’s novice drivers, but many parents and teens may be unfamiliar with the requirements.
“Dare to Prepare” provided critical information that parents and teens, ages 14 and 15, need to know before teens take the wheel. The interactive workshop includes hands-on activities using videos and games, explains to parents and teens why teen drivers crash and how parents can help to keep their teens safe behind the wheel. It also provides tools and guidelines to help parents and teens go through the challenging learn-to-drive licensing process. Participants will receive materials to take home to help prepare them for driving.
The session is from 10 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. at the Palm Desert Community Center, 43-900 San Pablo Ave., 92260. Free parking is available. Space is limited, reservations are required by May 16 and teens must attend with a parent or caregiver. To register, go to AAA.com/safety4teens. For more information, please call the Auto Club’s Community Programs and Traffic Safety office at (714) 885-2312.
“Teen drivers are inexperienced and often engage in risky behaviors behind the wheel due to a lack of reasoning skills,” said Anita Lorz Villagrana, the Auto Club’s manager of community programs and traffic safety. “Dare to Prepare aims to jumpstart the dialogue about safe driving between parents and teens.”
The presentation also will review:
- Parents’ and teens roles and responsibilities, including insurance
- Understanding the California Graduated Driver Licensing components
- Auto Club parent-teen driving agreements
- Practical tips for teaching teens to drive