"Put it Down" (electronics) and focus on driving:Teen Safety Week, Oct. 18-24
“A teen’s biggest influence sits across from them at the dinner table and with them in the car every day,” said DHSMV Executive Director Terry L. Rhodes. “I urge all caregivers to make an effort in regularly discussing driving risks with their teens, to ensure we all Arrive Alive.”
Florida teens, ages 15-19, make up almost 5% of Florida’s licensed drivers. In 2019, there were a total of 85,197 crashes involving teen drivers in Florida, which resulted in 719 serious bodily injuries in teens and 86 teen-driver fatalities.
“Becoming a new driver is an exciting time for a teen," said Colonel Gene Spaulding, Director of the Florida Highway Patrol. "However, parents must eliminate distractions like texting while driving and encourage their teens to focus on driving.”
The DHSMV recently launched the department’s first podcast – 3PointTurn - designed to supplement the Florida Driver Handbook. The series contains 12 episodes featuring members of the Florida Highway Patrol discussing topics such as a driver's personal responsibilities and strange situations a driver might encounter on Florida roadways.
The FLHSMV is hopeful that the 3PointTurn podcast will jump-start the conversation between parents and their young drivers, on the importance of safe driving behaviors, and to also serve as a tool to prepare all drivers, not just teens, for situations they will likely face during their lifetime.
Access the 3PointTurn pidcast here: flhsmv.gov/safety-center/podcasts/.
For safe driving tips and techniques, download the official Florida Driver License Handbook here:
flhsmv.gov/resources/handbooks-manuals/.