You did it! You’ve guided your kid through childhood successfully and they’ve made it to adolescence - safe and sound. They’re at the age now where they can get their license and start driving for the first time. And…. a whole new challenge is on the horizon. This can be a scary time as a parent and as a young driver. We know well the dangers of driving under the influence: add to that the fact that almost everyone today is rarely without a cell phone and we have a lot to navigate about road safety. In this episode, I’ll be talking to two parents and a young driver about the issue of road safety and strategies to stay safe on the road.

Joining Pam on this episode are Brad, Dawn and Shiv as well as our expert Valerie Smith.

• Young drivers are still developing cognitively and physically until the age of 25. Behind the wheel, they are disproportionately injured and killed on Canadian roads.
• Parents are role models and young drivers are watching what you do and what you say. Next to peers, parents are the biggest influencers on young drivers.
• Driving is a privilege, so take it seriously. Common causes of injury and death among teens include distracted driving, speeding and driving impaired by alcohol and/or cannabis. Distracted driving and speeding are common causes of injury and death among teens.

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For more please visit www.parachute.ca.

Got a young driver in your family? Check out our resources through our National Teen Driver Safety Week program at parachute.ca/ntdsw.

Popping the Bubble Wrap is produced by Story Studio Network. www.storystudionetwork.com.