Learning to drive is a major milestone for teens, but building safe habits behind the wheel takes time. During National Teen Driver Safety Week, the Douglas County Sheriff's Office is encouraging families to talk openly about driving risks and make safety a priority on every trip.
According to the Sheriff's Office in an online post, National Teen Driver Safety Week runs from October 18-24. The office is urging parents to set clear rules for new drivers and keep conversations about safe driving going.
The office is also highlighting the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's "5 to Drive" guidelines, which focus on five behaviors that can put young drivers and others at risk.
The guidelines urge teens to avoid distracted driving, limit extra passengers, obey speed limits, never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and always wear a seat belt.
For parents, the message is to keep talking with teens about the choices they make behind the wheel. For new drivers, the reminder is to make smart decisions every time they get on the road.
(The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office contributed to this story.)
