Ernie Bertothy, from the DMV Center for Teen Safe Driving, and Greg Waldmiller, DMV license agent supervisor, talk about some tips for teens so they can stay safe on the roads. This week is National Teen Safe Driver Week.
Here are some questions with answers provided by Bertothy:
Is there a key message with National Teen Safe Driver Week?
Yes, in Connecticut we’re focusing on the role of passengers of teen drivers. In the last five months, nine teens, ages 15-18, were killed in crashes – and most of the deaths were passengers. We want them to know they’re not just along for the ride. They have responsibilities, too.
What are some safety tips for would-be passengers of teen drivers?
Respect the law and don’t ride with a teen driver under the passenger restrictions. Wear your safety belt. Don’t distract the driver. Encourage the driver to obey the speed limit. Don’t get into a vehicle with someone who has been drinking. Get out of a vehicle if you feel unsafe
What can parents do to promote safety?
Make it a point to find out who is driving your teen. If your teen is driving, monitor and guide your teen’s driving activity. Limit travel to purposeful driving.
There’s technology available now to help parents keep tabs on their teen drivers. What’s out there?
There are a wide range of products. There’s something as simple as a phone app that can track where your teen’s phone is located. Another device can disable a phone when the vehicle goes over a certain MPH. There’s technology that can control the top speed of the vehicle. Another device can set geographic boundaries – and send parents a text if a line is crossed. Other technology can track how a vehicle is driven – miles per hour, brake usage and driving hours.
For more information, visit www.ct.gov/dmv or www.teensafedriving.org.