National Teen Driver Safety Week: Keeping Teens Safe on the Road

As National Teen Driver Safety Week kicks off, families across the country are joining forces to promote safe driving habits among young motorists. This year's theme is #RulesForTheRoad and emphasizes the importance of open conversations between parents and teen drivers, reinforcing critical rules to prevent accidents. According to recent data, motor vehicle crashes remain a leading cause of death among teenagers aged 15 to 18.

In 2021 alone, 2,608 individuals lost their lives in accidents involving teen drivers aged 15 to 18, with 861 of those fatalities attributed to the teen drivers themselves. These alarming statistics underscore the need for proactive efforts to improve teen driver safety.

To increase awareness around the dangers of teen driving, the #RulesForTheRoad campaign focuses on seven key target behaviors that teenagers should practice:

1. Wear a seatbelt: Every person in the vehicle should wear a seatbelt on every trip, every time.
2. No speeding: Excessive speed is illegal and dangerous.
3. No distractions: Using phones, fiddling with the stereo, and joking around with passengers while driving can lead to crashes.
4. No extra passengers: Limit the number of passengers to reduce distractions.
5. No alcohol: Drinking and driving is illegal and potentially deadly.
6. No drugs: Illicit substances and driving do not mix.
7. No impairment-causing medications: Always follow medical advice regarding driving while on medication. If your teen is getting their learner's permit, talk to their doctor in advance to learn about any potential dangers with current medications.

Different states and cities are participating in National Teen Driver Safety Week with their own initiatives and campaigns:

Families in Utah who lost teens in car crashes are sharing their stories to encourage driver safety. In 2022, 33 Utah teens lost their lives in road accidents, prompting the Utah Department of Transportation and the Utah Department of Public Safety to create the 2022 Teen Memoriam book. This book, featuring stories of those who perished, will be used in driver education classes in 140 high schools across the state.

Schools have been eliminating driver's education from their curriculum in Springfield and surrounding areas. Experts stress that parents must prioritize teaching their teens driving skills, not just during National Teen Driver Safety Week. One driving instructor, Dan Bracker, a former Lieutenant from the Missouri State Highway Patrol, emphasizes the importance of enrolling teens in driver's education courses before they obtain their licenses.

"It isn't a priority," Bracker said to KY3 news. "Parents don't understand how dangerous it can be out there on the roads."

Bracker and another former patrolman opened Premier Driving Academy because he knows the risks of driving, particularly for younger, inexperienced drivers. He encourages parents to get teens formal driver's education before applying for their license.

The Nevada Department of Public Safety is committed to eliminating road fatalities and runs the Zero Teen Fatalities Program. This program encourages teens to make safe driving habits routine and asks parents to participate and attend these safety programs with their teens. The program's ultimate goal is to save lives by educating teens using practical, behind-the-wheel training.

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) is launching a weeklong public safety campaign during National Teen Driver Safety Week. This campaign aims to educate teens on safe driving habits, emphasizing the dangers of speeding, impaired driving, distracted driving, and not wearing a seatbelt. Teen drivers represent approximately 5% of licensed drivers in Florida, but more than 11% of crashes in the state involve teens.

Parents and guardians play a crucial role in shaping their teens' driving behavior. Teaching teens responsible driving habits and acting as role models are essential steps in ensuring their safety on the road. These efforts can have a lasting impact on reducing teen crashes and fatalities.

• How Do I Talk to My Teen About Driver Responsibility and Safety?
• Is it Safe to Use a Hands-free Device to Talk on a Cellphone While Driving?
• What Are the Dangers of Texting While Driving?
• Pros and Cons of Raising the Driving Age
• Is Driving With Headphones Legal?