Cranston, RI - When it comes to influencing safe teen driving behavior, studies find that parents play a critical role. Until now, parents in Rhode Island have not had a high quality resource - aside from their intuition or own driving experience - to provide them with the information and guidance needed to help mold their teens into smart drivers.
Governor Lincoln Chafee today announced that the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles (RI DMV) will now distribute The Parent's Supervised Driving Guide to every Learners Permit recipient under the age of 18 who is required to fulfill the state's 50-hour (10 at night) supervised driving requirement.
"Driving requires tremendous concentration at all times," said Governor Chafee. "There are helpful explanations and tips in this handbook that will be of use to both new and experienced drivers. As Governor, I ask that you do your part to ensure that our roads remain safe."
"This driving guide is another example of the new and improved DMV delivering important services to Rhode Islanders," Governor Chafee continued.
"Any time we can get the message out to our young drivers – a group that is proven to be at the greatest risk for auto accidents – we are doing a great service for our community," said Colonel Steven G. O'Donnell, Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police. "Our children are our most precious commodity and we are always looking to protect them."
DMV personnel will hand the guide directly to parents with an explanation of how it may be used as an effective driver training resource, according to DMV Interim Administrator Carole Dwyer. "By following this guide, new drivers will gain advanced abilities such as hazard perception and anticipating behavior in a variety of driving conditions," noted Dwyer. "More importantly, parents will have the satisfaction of participating in the training and knowing their teen has learned the skills necessary to become a safe and responsible driver," Dwyer concluded.
"Parents are in the best position to assure that their teens become safe, smart drivers," stated Safe Roads Alliance President Jeff Larson, whose non-profit group partnered with Travelers Marketing to develop The Parent's Supervised Driving Guide. It is provided at no cost to the RI DMV and the parents/guardians of teens through the generosity of primary sponsor Irving Oil, as well as Midas and Roger Williams College.
"It is great to see the support in encouraging a safe driving mindset for teenagers as they embark on obtaining their driver's license in Rhode Island," said Harry Hadiaris, General Manager of Irving Oil Marketing. The importance of safety is a top priority at Irving Oil - we're deeply committed to the communities we serve and helping to keep them safe. We're proud to sponsor The Parent's Supervised Driving Guide to help instill safety as a top-priority among teen drivers and their parents or guardians."
The guide will be available at all DMV locations and on our website at www.dmv.ri.gov.