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"We really focus on them to hammer the points home that driving is not something to be taken lightly," Franklin Lakes Police Chief Carmine Pezzuti said. "It's a huge responsibility and they have to be aware of what's going on."
The five rules include: no drinking and driving, wearing seat belts, no texts or phone calls, no speeding and minimizing the amount of passengers.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration promoted the “5 to Drive” campaign during National Teen Driver Safety Week from Oct. 18 to 24, but Franklin Lakes police extend the lessons through December.
Traffic Safety Officer Denny Knubel teaches sophomores at Ramapo High School about the dangers on the road as part of driver's education class. Knubel explains the process of going from a learner's permit to a full license. He also discusses driving and pedestrian safety, along with the "5 to Drive" lessons.
Knubel said it seems to be hitting home with students.
"We throw a lot at them from different angles," he told Daily Voice. "I think it's an eye opener for them to understand it's not just about driving and having fun. A car can be like a weapon."
Police also sent home fliers with driving information so parents could review the information with their children.
MORE: http://www.safercar.gov/parents/TeenDriving/fivetodrive.htm
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