Teen Safety Week starts today. It’s a program that supports teens by bringing awareness to the social challenges they face, and then connecting them and their parents with tools and resources that are available in the community.
The Steamboat Springs Police Department is partnering with local agencies and non-profits during Teen Safety Week.
Then on Thursday, May 11, everyone is invited to the Teen Safety Fair. It’s from 4-6 p.m. at the Steamboat Springs Community Center. Program partners, local agencies, and non-profit organizations will host tables and be on hand to share valuable information and resources in a casual meet-and-greet atmosphere. Members from Steamboat Springs Fire Rescue will also be on hand to demonstrate life-like scenarios of extraction on a mock car crash.
For information or to get involved, visit www.steamboatsprings.net/teensafety, or contact:
Patty Oakland with Steamboat Springs Police Department
Email Patty Oakland | 970.457.7414
Teen Safety Week on Monday, May 8 — Driving Impaired
Driving while impaired, or under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol, can have disastrous results. The SSPD is spreading additional awareness about these dangers as local teens get ready to celebrate prom and graduation. Here’s Patty Oakland with the Steamboat Springs Police Department.
“It’s important to not drive impaired or distracted, avoid misuse and abuse of substances, seeking support for your mental well-being, and encouraging healthy relationships. Know we care about each of you and are thankful to have you as a part of the Yampa Valley.”
Each year, many students across the Yampa Valley look forward to attending prom and graduation. These memorable moments become devastating when a child is injured or killed in a car crash. Unfortunately, across the country, this happens all too often. Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for U.S. teens, and drivers between the ages of 16 and 19 are nearly three times as likely to be involved in a fatal crash than those 20 and over.
Whether prom or graduation is your thing or not, being an informed driver should always be. Talk with trusted adults about smart choices behind the wheel. Parents and guardians, encourage role models in a young person’s life to reinforce responsible driving, which saves lives. We want teens to always feel empowered to make the choice to drive sober and safe.
Driving Tips
- Talk with trusted adults about not driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol.
- Before you go out, always have a plan that includes a safe ride home (parents/guardians – make your teens feel comfortable with calling you to pick them up or pay for a ride if needed).
- Never get in a car with a driver who you suspect might be under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol.
- Help protect others when it’s safe to do so by taking the keys away from a friend who is attempting to drive while impaired.
- Parents/Guardians – Create a driving agreement with your teens.
- Have open conversations about curfew and consider a time when to leave a location versus when to be home. Driving home to make curfew can increase risks on the road.
- Let them know you care!
Resources
- S. Department of Health & Human Services – “Talk. They Hear You.” Campaign
- MADD – Power of Parents
- CDC – Parent-Teen Driving Agreement
https://www.cdc.gov/parentsarethekey/pdf/PATK_2014_TeenParent_Agreement_AAP-a.pdf