Start Smart: Getting Teen Drivers to Hit the Road Responsibly

By Eugene Bruno on August 20, 2023

Getting your driver’s license is a rite of passage for teenagers, as it represents a major step towards adulthood and more freedom. However, teenage motorists must also face the reality that driving is a dangerous activity with potentially tragic consequences in certain situations.

According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), traffic collisions are the leading cause of death for teenagers between the ages of 16 and 19. Approximately 66 percent of those collisions involved an at-fault teen driver, resulting in 140 deaths. Moreover, the risk of collision for teens is roughly four times greater than that of an experienced motorist. Notably, the highest risk period for teen drivers is within the first two years of getting their driver’s license.

What Is the Start Smart Program?

The Start Smart Program is hosted by the CHP and is designed to strengthen a teenager’s road awareness and sense of responsibility while driving. The CHP start smart program is directed at 15–19-year-olds and their parents.

Start Smart presentations and courses are hosted by local CHP offices and give budding motorists and their parents an opportunity to absorb important safety information from CHP officers as teens start to hit the road.

Topics Covered in the Start Smart Program

Start Smart classes are typically led by experienced CHP officers who offer personal insight into the virtues of responsible driving and the consequences of unsafe driving. Topics covered in the Start Smart program include:

• Techniques for avoiding collisions
• Common causes of collisions
• Responsibilities of the driver/parent
• Seatbelts

Presentations may include testimonials from CHP officers who investigated fatal car crashes involving teens and parents of teens who lost their lives in tragic car crashes.

Benefits of the Start Smart Program

The Start Smart Program aims to educate young drivers about the importance of road safety by connecting teens personally with individuals who have first-hand experience with the consequences of car crashes. The Start Smart Program offers teen motorists and their parents an opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions with CHP officers so that they can gain an understanding of safe driving practices.

By arming teens with the harsh realities of reckless driving, they are in a better position to drive responsibly. By fostering good driving habits at the earliest phase of an individual’s driving experience, the Start Smart program plants the seeds of a safer future for all motorists.

Participating in the Start Smart Program

Families can sign up for the Start Smart Program by contacting local CHP officers to enroll in upcoming courses. Additionally, you can download the Start Smart app for Apple and Android devices. The app offers users with important information and features such as:

• A checklist for obtaining your driver’s license
• Finding Start Smart classes
• Accident statistics
• FAQs
• A trip logger for tracking driving hours

Have a Proven California Attorney on Your Side

The CHP Start Smart program is an essential countermeasure to tackling the number one cause of death for teens. The value of learning and discussing the importance of safe and defensive driving practices cannot be overstated. The Start Smart program helps secure a safer future for parents and children by instilling safe and responsible driving habits as early as possible.

Unfortunately, accidents still happen despite one’s dedication to driving safely. Thankfully, you do not have to face the repercussions of being injured in a traffic collision alone. The San Diego car accident lawyers at Eugene Bruno & Associates are committed to providing quality legal representation for those injured by the negligent driving practices of others. You can rest assured that our San Diego legal team will fight tirelessly for the compensation you deserve.

Call us today at 1-888-BRUNO-88 (1-888-278-6688) to schedule a free consultation.