By California Highway Patrol, Southern Division
Traffic collisions are the number one killer of teenagers in the United States, ending more young lives every day than cancer, homicide, and suicide combined.

An average of 11 teens in the U.S. die every day in car crashes. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that in California alone, traffic collisions killed 349 young people in 2013, a headcount comparable to the capacity of more than two 737 Jets.

“Although national data shows a decline in the number of young drivers involved in vehicle crashes over recent years, they are still at greater risk than any other age group. The CHP will always be dedicated to promoting safe habits for California’s young drivers,” Commissioner Farrow said.

The CHP offers free “Start Smart” teen driver education classes to help reduce these tragedies. Parents and teenagers can sign up for a free Start Smart class by contacting their local CHP office. To locate a CHP office near you, visit www.chp.ca.gov and find out how this two-hour class can save a life.

Start Smart is taught by CHP officers and promoted within 146 high schools across California. It is offered by 46 traffic courts as an alternative sentencing method for juvenile traffic offenders.

This week is National Teen Driver Safe Week. Join us in raising awareness.