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Crime & Safety

Police Educate Parents of Teen Drivers

The road to safe driving starts with educated parents...

Driving is a privilege, not a right. You’ve probably heard or said that enough times in your life. So, question: Why are motor vehicle crashes the number one cause of death for young people ages 16-24? Answer: Because it’s not as simple as repeating a phrase.

Studies show 50 percent of teen drivers will get into a car accident within their first two years of driving, whether it be a minor fender bender or a fatal collision.

How does that make you feel?

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“Horrified,” said Cathy Bremner, mother of a 17-year-old driver. “Very frightened.”

The sad reality is too many young adults are unaware of the responsibilities that come with driving, and as a result time and money are wasted and sometimes lives are taken.

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[Scroll down for safety tips to teach your new driver.]

“It’s going to be the most dangerous time for kids,” said Detective Lieutenant Joseph P. Van Bergen, who is the Cranford traffic division commander. “The goal is not to scare you, but to give you the stats and make you aware.”

Lt. Van Bergen hosted ‘Alive at 25 Parent Program’ at the Cranford Community Center Tuesday night. Parents of newly licensed and soon-to-be driving teens were welcomed to attend and learn proper techniques for helping their new drivers be safe. In addition to driving tips, Lt. Van Bergen also explained the details of the Graduated Driver’s License (GDL) so parents and guardians are aware of the newer laws.

“Numbers and specifics tend to change when teens tell parents about driving restrictions,” said Lt. Van Bergen.

“I want to make sure I understand the new laws,” said Joann Cosmas, who is a parent of a soon-to-be 16-year-old. “There are so many rules now.”

Rules soon to come to the GDL include displaying markers on the outside of a young teen’s motor vehicle to make others aware the driver is inexperienced, changing the title from ‘provisional’ license to ‘probation’ license and limiting the curfew from midnight to 11 p.m.

Cranford offers Driver's Abstract records, which allow parents of teens under 18 to access their child’s driving history and inform them of any penalties on a license. The Cranford police department also notified parents if their child with a GDL license received a ticket, regardless of whether or not points were issued.

Studies show teens learn better from consequences than warnings, and a parent/teen contract can help set up guidelines. Also, positive constructive criticism should be used when conversing with your teens when you teach them how to drive. Parents should say “What could you have done to make that turn safer?” instead of “Why didn’t you use your turn signal?”

Safe driving courses for parents of new teen drivers are not yet mandatory, but it’s something the state of New Jersey is looking into.

“I’m trying to get parents up to date before it’s required,” said Lt. Van Bergen.

These courses are offered several times a year free of charge, and interested parties are welcome to contact the Lieutenant at (908)709-7334 or by visiting www.cranford.com/police. NJteendriving.com is another Web site that has been created to teach safer driving practices.

Tips for teaching teens how to drive:

•Drive in different conditions: Allow your young driver to experience harsher road conditions and driving on highways so they are better prepared when they are on their own.

•Teach time management: Make sure your child has enough time to get to work, school and other commitments so they aren’t tempted to speed.

•Be aware of peer pressure: It’s going to happen to high school students anywhere, so make sure your child knows how to make safe decisions. Be cautious of harsh threats made to young drivers if they drink. They will be more likely to rebel and drive intoxicated if they are scared of your reaction to underage alcohol consumption.

•Be aware of aggressive driving: Whether you realize it or not, your child will learn how to drive based on how you drive. Instead of not letting an aggressive driver pass you, make your teen aware what is the best decision for safety.

•Emphasize adequate sleep: A tired driver is just as dangerous as an intoxicated driver, and drinking heavily-caffeinated drinks such as Red Bull can have the same effects as alcohol (causing jitters).

•Respect law enforcement: They are around to serve and protect, and should be respected.

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