National Teen Driver Safety Week raises awareness about rising youth traffic deaths

(KTVZ) -- National Teen Driver Safety Week, observed Oct. 18 to 24, aims to address traffic crashes, which remain a leading cause of death for teenagers in the United States.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, crashes involving a teen driver killed 2,611 people and injured more than 170,000 others in 2023.

Inexperience is a primary factor in crashes involving young drivers. Federal safety reports show teenagers are more likely than older drivers to misjudge dangerous road conditions and make critical errors behind the wheel.

Michelle Anderson, director of operations at the National Road Safety Foundation, emphasized that parents must take an active role in teaching safety habits.

“Parents need to be proactive and begin a conversation about safe driving,” Anderson said.

Impaired driving remains a significant hazard among young drivers. Federal data shows that 19% of teen drivers involved in fatal passenger vehicle crashes in 2021 had alcohol in their system. Foundation officials also warned that marijuana, prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications can severely alter reaction times behind the wheel.

Seat belt usage remains another key concern for traffic safety advocates. More than half, or 51%, of teen drivers killed in crashes in 2021 were not wearing seat belts. Foundation officials advise parents to remind teenagers to verify everyone in the vehicle is buckled before driving.

Distracted driving significantly elevates crash risks among adolescents. Research shows that one in three teenagers who text admit to doing so while driving. Dialing a phone while driving increases a teen driver's crash risk by six times, while texting increases the risk by 23 times. Other common distractions include additional passengers, adjusting audio or climate controls and eating or drinking.

Speeding contributed to nearly one-third, or 32%, of fatal crashes involving teen passenger vehicle drivers in 2021. Data indicates male drivers were more likely to be involved in fatal speed-related crashes than female drivers.

Carrying passengers also increases danger for young motorists. Studies indicate that a teenager's likelihood of engaging in risky driving behavior triples when multiple passengers are in the vehicle, with fatal crash risks rising in direct relation to the number of passengers.

Safety advocates encourage passenger intervention when a driver behaves recklessly. Anderson advised family members and peers not to hesitate when safety is compromised.

“We shouldn't worry about being considered a 'back-seat driver,'” Anderson said. “Speaking up can save lives.”

Surveys show that teenagers whose parents establish clear driving rules and regularly discuss safety participate in fewer risky behaviors and experience fewer crashes. Anderson noted that adult behavior behind the wheel strongly influences teen habits long before formal instruction begins.

“Parents often complain that their teens don't listen to them, but studies show they watch what we do,” Anderson said. “It's up to us as parents to be good role models by demonstrating safe driving behavior all the time, long before teens even think about getting their learner's permit.”

The National Road Safety Foundation is a 501(c)(three) non-profit organization that has worked for more than 60 years to reduce highway crashes, injuries and fatalities through public education. The group offers free educational resources, including its Passport to Safe Driving guide, on its website.