Huntington Beach Police Urge Parents To Set Teen Driving Rules

HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA — Huntington Beach police are asking parents and guardians to set clear rules and talk with their teens about safe driving, citing recent crashes and the risks of speeding, distraction, not wearing seat belts and impaired driving.

Car crashes remain a leading cause of death for teens 15 to 18. Nationally, 2,320 people were killed in crashes involving a teen driver in 2024, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That same year, 496 people were killed on California roads in crashes involving drivers 20 or younger.

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"Meaningful conversations at home can shape the choices teens make on the road," HBPD Sgt. DeJong said in a news release. "When families talk about distractions, speeding and impairment, teens are better prepared to make safer choices every time they drive."

Police pointed families to free tools from the California Department of Motor Vehicles, including a quick reference driver's handbook, educational videos and a Teen Driver Roadmap, plus a web-based driving simulation from the Office of Traffic Safety, all available on the agencies' websites. The department also shared these tips:

• Learn California's provisional licensing and graduated licensing rules, including limits on passengers and nighttime driving during a teen's first year.
• Lead by example: model safe driving and talk about it in the car.
• Set and enforce expectations: no phone use, no speeding, no impairment and always buckle up.
• Create a family driving agreement so everyone is clear on the rules.
• Encourage teens to speak up if a driver is speeding, distracted or unbelted.

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.