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 on Saturday, March 7 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” provides 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 keep their young adults 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 take-home materials to help prepare them for driving.
The workshop is from 10 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. at Palm Desert Community Center, 43-900 San Pablo Ave., 92660. Free parking is available. Space is limited, reservations are required by March 5 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 between parents and teens about safe driving.”
The presentation also will review:
- Parents’ and teens roles and responsibilities, including insurance
- Understanding the California Graduated Driver Licensing law
- Auto Club parent-teen driving agreements
- Practical tips for teaching teens to drive