(Ridgewood, NJ) July 17, 2006 – Road rage, drunk drivers, traffic jams, car accidents, crowded highways -- today’s driving environment can be stressful and intimidating, especially to a teen driver. It is well known that young drivers are a high-risk group. The National Traffic Administration estimates that more than 8,000 teens in the United States are involved in fatal car crashes each year, and the risk of being in one is almost four times greater for 16 – 20-year-olds than for drivers ages 25 - 65. For a parent, this is a cause of worry and concern.
To address this important issue, Family Counseling Service, a division of Children's Aid and Family Services, is offering a two-week workshop series for teens called “What’s Driving You? Teen Driving Awareness.†The program will run this fall on two consecutive Tuesdays, September 12 and 19, 2006, from 3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. OR two consecutive Thursdays, September 21 and 28, 2006, from 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. at Family Counseling Service, 148 Prospect Street, Ridgewood. Additional workshops are also scheduled on an ongoing basis. The fee for this workshop series is $120.
“Passing the driving test is regarded by most teens as a sign that they have become an adult,†says Tricia DeBartolome, vice president of family & community services at Children’s Aid and Family Services. “But many don’t realize just what a serious responsibility driving is, and how they can take steps to improve their safety – and that of others.â€
The program aims to increase driving safety by helping teens develop appropriate responses to dangerous driving situations. It also promotes self-awareness while driving, and increases understanding of emotions and how they can affect the person at the wheel.
For instance, many teens may feel pressure from peers to drive recklessly, or experience heightened emotions after an argument that can seriously impair their driving ability. Workshops will cover topics such as Exploring the Relationship between Driver and Vehicle, Managing Emotions While Driving, Driver’s Self-Assessment, and Plan and Plan to Practice.
“The series costs just $120, and several past attendees have told us they thought this money was very well spent,†says Ms. DeBartolome.
What’s Driving You? is an addition to Allstate New Jersey Insurance Company’s established Allstate Safety Connection – Teen Driver Safety program that includes a parent-teen workbook and driving log, discussion guide, new driver handbook, and a Teen Driver Safety Video: Young Drivers: The High-Risk Years.
As part of Allstate New Jersey’s Quote Donation program, Vitti Insurance Agency, LLC, located in Mahwah, will donate $10 to the good cause of each teen driver’s choice who signs up for the program. Additionally, parents of teens who attend What’s Driving You? will be eligible to explore for their teens - Accident Forgiveness; Waiver of Most Violations; Deductible Rewards and Safe Driving Bonus.
To get more information or to register for What’s Driving You?, please call Marianne Bennett at 201-445-7015.
Family Counseling Service has focused on the dynamics of human relationships since 1956. It provides support to families as they navigate the challenges and difficulties that are part of real life. Its team of therapists also provides individual, couple and family counseling, as well as crisis management. Family Counseling Service shares the mission of Children's Aid and Family Services, which is to help children, families, and communities to heal, to learn, and to grow. For more information, visit www.cafsnj.org.
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