October 22, 2013 (Sacramento) – Nationwide, collisions are the leading cause of death for teenagers, and California is not immune to this disturbing trend.  Each year, thousands of young drivers and their passengers are killed in collisions.  To help bring awareness to this national problem, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) will participate in National Teen Driver Safety Week October 20-26, 2013.

“It only takes a second of inattention behind the wheel to cause a tragedy,” said CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow.  “This week we are dedicated to educating our inexperienced drivers on the dangers of unsafe driving and providing them with the information needed to be safe on our roadways.”

January 26, 2012 (San Diego)--Did you know it is illegal for drivers under age 18 to drive while using a wireless telephone, even if equipped with a hands-free device?  Did you also know that your teen is more likely to be involved in a collision by having one passenger in the car, even if that passenger is you?

May 29, 2010 (Sabre Springs) BreAnna Erickson, 17, died from injuries sustained in a head-on crash with a truck on Sabre Springs Parkway near Creekbridge Place at 5:39 p.m. last night. A friend was driving the car at a high speed but lost control, according to the Coroner’s office. Four other young people were also in the car, San Diego Police report.