Nearly 500 people died in crashes involving young drivers on California roads in 2024, and the Carlsbad Police Department wants local families to use that number as a conversation starter.

The department issued a public safety announcement on Oct. 19 marking National Teen Driver Safety Week, which runs Oct. 18–24. The campaign focuses on getting parents and guardians to talk with their teens about distracted driving, speeding, seat belt use and impairment before handing over the keys.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported 2,320 people killed nationwide in 2024 crashes involving a teen driver. In California alone, 496 people died in crashes involving drivers aged 20 or younger that same year.

Car crashes remain a leading cause of death for teens aged 15 to 18 in the United States, according to the department.

"Meaningful conversations at home can help shape the choices teens make on the road," Sgt. Conrad Page-DeMorst said in the department's announcement. He added that parents who address distractions, speeding and impairment give teens tools to handle real-world risks every time they drive.

The California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) recommends several steps for families:

  • Model safe habits behind the wheel and discuss them openly.
  • Set clear rules: no phone use while driving, no distractions from passengers, obey posted speed limits and always buckle up.
  • Create a written teen driving contract that spells out specific guidelines.
  • Encourage teens to speak up as passengers when a driver is speeding, distracted or unbuckled.

The department also pointed families to free resources from the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Those include the mobile-friendly Quick Reference Driver's Handbook, educational videos and the Teen Driver Roadmap, a step-by-step video guide for new drivers and their parents.

A free web-based driving simulation called The Road Ahead, at TheRoadAhead.GoSafelyCA.org, lets teens and parents practice safe decisions in realistic scenarios. The California OTS funded the program through a NHTSA grant. The awareness week runs through Saturday, Oct. 24.