Governor Lincoln Chafee today announced Rhode Island's participation in National Teen Driver Safety Week with a kick-off event held at RI DMV headquarters in Cranston designed to offer valuable information that will increase awareness about key teen driver safety issues including seat belt use, distracted driving and drowsy driving. Invited participants included law enforcement officials, driver education instructors, representatives of MADD, parents and teens.
"As Governor, I ask that you do your part to ensure that our roads remain safe," said Governor Chafee. "When you get behind the wheel, always remember to buckle up, pay attention at all times, do not send text messages, and never, ever drink and drive."
The Parent's Supervised Driving Program, which focuses on the importance of parents' involvement in the teen driver education process, hosted the event. Rhode Island DMV Administrator Anthony Silva introduced Jeff Larson, President of Safe Roads Alliance who partners with Travelers Marketing, a marketing and sponsorship agency based in Wellesley, MA, to bring The Parent's Supervised Driving Program to DMVs nationally. Rhode Island was the first state in the nation to distribute the program in December of 2011. The program has since expanded to six states, including Massachusetts and Vermont.
"Parents are the key to assuring the safety of teen drivers." said Jeff Larson. "Rhode Island has been out front, leading the nation in taking an active effort to focus on the safety of teen drivers."
Parents and teens attending the event were rewarded with sponsor prizes and giveaways such as Irving Oil Gas Gift Cards and AAA Memberships. A few lucky participants also won "Front of the Line" passes from the DMV to improve their experience when visiting their local DMV office. Sponsors and the DMV alike were enthusiastic at the opportunity to reward those parents and teens that have chosen to take an active role in the teen driver education process and to promote safe driving behaviors.
Michael Behm, father of a 17 year old from Cranston, found the program to be a very useful tool, noting "the guide's updates were extremely valuable in helping prepare my son to successfully pass his road test and for his future driving experience."
The rewards continue for users of The Parent's Supervised Driving Program. As an added incentive to encourage parents and teens to utilize The Parent's Supervised Driving Program, sponsor LoJack Corporation announced the launch of a contest for a Grand Prize LoJack Stolen Vehicle Recovery System valued at $695.00. Parents and teens in Rhode Island are encouraged to visit www.theparentssuperviseddrivingprogram.com for contest rules and conditions.
The Parent's Supervised Driving Program is a free resource provided to teens, parents and RI DMV thanks to its sponsors, Irving Oil, Midas and Roger Williams University. The Program is available at all RI DMV locations for parents of teens when they receive their learner's permit, and a PDF version is available for download at www.dmv.ri.gov or the Program's website www.theparentssuperviseddrivingprogram.com.