Santa Maria Police Department Focuses on Reckless Driving

In an effort to make teens aware of being distracted while driving, Santa Barbara’s Noozhawk covers a presentation given by the Santa Maria Police Department Traffic Bureau, in conjunction with Impact Teen Drivers and the California Highway Patrol, at Shepard Hall in the Santa Maria Public Library; about 40 teenagers and parents attended.

The presentation covered statistics on teen drivers stating that the number one leading cause of death of teens in America is reckless and distracted driving. They also cover how it is the responsibility of the driver to make wiser decisions, but also the passengers agreeing to get into a vehicle or not trying to stop the driver from making the bad judgment. Other various distractions involve texting, putting on makeup, even simple things such as drinking coffee.

They also emphasized the importance of following California laws regarding teen drivers, restrictions designed to eliminate the number of accidents involving young drivers. Most crashes happen in the first 12 months of teens getting their licenses. The law states young drivers are restricted from having underage passengers and not allowed to drive between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. In closing the presentation the speakers urge teens to spread the message to their peers against distracted and reckless driving.