GOSHEN – Orange County and the STOP DWI and Traffic Safety Program have collaborated on the “Parents as Driving Partners” initiative, which fosters safer driving habits, and creating safe drivers by encouraging active involvement and shared responsibility between teens and their parents during the early stages of driving.
Orange and Putnam County officials introduced the program on Wednesday at the County’s Department of Motor Vehicles office at the Government Center in Goshen.
Orange County Clerk Kelly Eskew said this initiative follows similar ones already in place in Dutchess and Columbia counties.
“It’s to start the conversation with teen drivers on safe driving habits, and it’s an agreement – there’s a booklet with safety things in it, and there is an agreement in the booklet that parents and their kids can agree to, to encourage safe driving,” she said.
“Safe teen driving begins well before your child gets their permit,” Orange County Sheriff Paul Arteta said. “They watch you, observe everything that you do, and then they mimic you. What you do while in the car with your child matters. It is critical you set a good example of safe driving habits in front of them, no matter how old they are. Be a part of their journey early on and take the pledge to continue when they finally reach driving age; It is worth the investment in their safety.”
