Police to Inform Parents of Cited Young Drivers

A program recently initiated by Pennsylvania State Police seeks the help of parents to better ensure that young motorists drive responsibly.

Dubbed "Operation Safe Teen," the program informs parents or guardians when 16- or 17-year-old drivers receive citations or written warnings or are involved in a vehicle accident, according to a state police news release this week.

During June, state police from Troop M -- encompassing Lehigh, Northampton and Bucks counties -- recorded 25 such incidents, police said. Parents were notified either by telephone or in-person visits.

"The state police at Troop M hope that by publicizing this information, teen-aged drivers will be more aware of the consequences of their driving behavior, knowing that their parents will be notified of any state police contacts," said Lt. James P. Raykovitz, patrol section commander for Troop M. "We also hope that parents will take advantage of the opportunity to talk to their teen-age driver . . . and to reinforce the importance of safe driving practices."

Police said a majority of the traffice citations to the 25 motorists were the result of speeding or other aggressive driving.