SACRAMENTO,
Calif. – In an ongoing effort to reduce the number of crashes caused by
impaired drivers in California, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) is
partnering with the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) on a yearlong
campaign of education efforts. The $2.5
million grant-funded “Teen Impaired Driving Education (TIDE) VI”
campaign runs through September 30, 2025. Motor vehicle
crashes are a leading cause of death for teens, and almost a third of young
drivers killed in fatal crashes were impaired. Based on provisional data, there were 851
crashes involving impaired drivers aged 14-19 years old, resulting in 28
deaths and 1,305 injuries within CHP jurisdiction between October 2022
through September 2023. Each one of
these injuries and deaths represents a preventable tragedy and underscores
the continued need to focus efforts on reducing impaired driving. The CHP will
focus on a comprehensive approach that combines law enforcement with
education and prevention programs, such as the Every 15 Minutes (E15M)
program. The E15M program is an eye-opening and emotional educational program
that prompts teenagers to strongly consider their decisions regarding
impaired driving. “Protecting
our young drivers is one of the most critical steps we can take to ensure the
safety of California’s communities,” said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee.
“Programs that educate teens on the dangers of impaired driving not only save
lives but also foster lifelong habits of responsibility and safe driving.” The E15M
program targets high school juniors and seniors, inspiring them to think
deeply about driving, personal safety, making responsible and mature
decisions, and the implications of alcohol consumption. It focuses on how
their choices resonate with their family, friends, community, and others. The
CHP provides mini-grants to schools and organizations to implement the E15M
program. For
additional information regarding the E15M Program or to apply for a grant,
please have the school or organization contact their local CHP
Public Information Officer. Funding for this program was provided by a
grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration. The
mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and
Security. | 
