Operation Every Teen Counts Is Response to National Safe Teen Driver Week
by Registrar Anne L. Collins
10/18/07
Governor Patrick issued a special proclamation declaring October 15-20 Teen Safe Driver Week. This is such an important issue that we took the message to the streets. I want to share with you what I observed...
Just after dawn today, I had the chance to partner with the Weymouth Police Department and the RMV's Vehicle Safety and Compliance Department to speak directly with the teens at Weymouth High (Go Wildcats!) I spoke to teens and in a few cases their parents as they drove into the school parking lot. Most were buckled up, and the vast majority were cell phone-free and obeying the Junior Operator Law restriction (no passengers during the first 6 months of having your license.) But many were surprised when I reminded them that even a first speeding offense can result in a 90 day license suspension and penalties totaling almost $1,000. In virtually all cars the parents and teens were polite and thankful for our efforts to keep them safe. Only once did I find examples of everything I fear. The teen driver was oblivious to the rules, not wearing her seat belt and the car was full of distracting peers. The passenger in the front seat had to be chided to stop fidgeting with the radio. If this is their behavior while being directly confronted, I fear for their general safety. I only hope today's message got through to this girl before she runs afoul of the law or worse yet gets in a crash. Her blush when I told her she was lucky this was not an enforcement sting but a warning tells me she was paying attention. I just hope this impression lasts.
As Registrar, I often participate in policy debates and operational meetings trying to address issues of social concern. We design programs and rules intended to make the world a better place, to reduce crashes, injuries, etc. Today's approach was different. We spoke directly to over 800 teens at ten schools. For all of you who have the chance to model good driving behavior or to speak directly to teens, I hope you will help reinforce this message. Teen crashes are preventable, we just have to keep working on it, teen by teen.
Executive Office of Transportation
Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles
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