The Ohio State Highway Patrol is reminding parents and guardians to have life-saving conversations with their teens about safe driving during National Teen Driver Safety Week, which runs through Saturday.

Families play a critical role in reinforcing safe driving at home by setting the example, following the rules of the road and spending time driving with their teens. Through this, they can strengthen the lessons taught by troopers and give young drivers the confidence to build lasting safe habits.

“Just like mastering a sport or a musical instrument, safe driving takes practice,” said Gov. Mike DeWine. “I encourage parents and guardians to actively coach their teens on safe driving skills and have open and consistent conversations with their kids about the importance of being a responsible driver.”

Like learning any skill, driving takes practice, and according to the Ohio Traffic Safety Office, teens are safer drivers when their parents spend more time practicing with them, provide constructive feedback and expose them to varied driving environments.

In Ohio last year, more than 37,000 teen drivers were involved in crashes. A teen driver was at fault in 64 fatal crashes and more than 6,700 injury crashes. Many of these incidents were connected to behaviors that can be prevented, including speeding, distracted driving, lack of safety belt use and alcohol- and drug-impaired driving. Of the 44 teen drivers killed in traffic crashes last year, 81% were not wearing an available safety belt.

To help reinforce safe driving habits, the patrol is encouraging teens to always wear a safety belt, stay focused on the road, obey posted speed limits and never drive impaired. Because passengers are a common source of distraction, Ohio law restricts drivers under the age of 18 from having more than one nonfamily passenger during the first year of a probationary license unless a parent or guardian is present.

“The patrol is committed to giving young drivers the tools they need to make safe choices,” said Colonel Charles A. Jones, Patrol superintendent. “Through education, we are working to build a strong foundation of safety that will benefit Ohio’s newest drivers for years to come.”

The OSHP is also committed to teen driver safety through its Drive to Live program, which brings troopers into schools to share real-world experiences and education with young drivers. Schools interested in hosting a presentation are encouraged to contact their local patrol post.