Teens Get Lesson In Distracted Driving In Free Safety Seminar

SHERMAN OAKS (CBSLA.com) — Teen drivers will get a graphic dose of reality Tuesday as National Teen Driver Safety Week continues.

Students at Notre Dame High School in Sherman Oaks will participate in a free safety seminar provided by the Mercedes-Benz Driving Academy and the California Highway Patrol.

Reckless and distracted driving is the number one killer of adolescents in America.

The teens will drive through a course both with and without disruptions, so they can tangibly experience the effects of distracted driving.

"We're going to provide them with some distractions. So that will range anywhere from interaction with people in the car, passengers, sound, we're going to have them do some electronics, so they're going to get a chance to experience these things," Marc Hemsworth, former LAPD officer and chief driving instructor, said.

The vehicles used in the exercises are equipped with an additional safety brake and throttle, so a certified driver can intervene if necessary.

Hemsworth says the seminar will emphasize the importance of making good decisions.

Roughly two-thirds of teens who die in traffic collisions are passengers, according to Hemsworth.