Teen Driving Accidents #1 Cause of Death for U.S. Teens
Every year, thousands of families are devastated by the loss of a teenager in a preventable traffic accident. Teen drivers are particularly at risk for fatal teen driving accidents because of their inexperience and increased likelihood of making poor choices behind the wheel, including speeding and impaired driving. All 50 states have created a graduated licensing program that places certain restrictions on 16- and 17-year-old drivers to help reduce the risk of a crash. Washington State’s graduated licensing laws prevent teen drivers from driving between 1:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. for the first year after their license is issued or having any non-family passengers under 20 in their vehicle for the first six months after their license is issued.
It’s National Teen Driver Safety Week. Let’s Talk About Teen Drivers and Road Safety.
National Teen Driver Safety Week, held this year from October 20-26, 2024, is a good time to talk about the risks young drivers face on the road. Now in its 17th year, this week is dedicated to raising awareness and finding solutions to prevent teen injuries and fatalities caused by car accidents. As parents, we certainly want to make the roads safer for our teens, which is why it’s important to understand the unique challenges teen drivers face—and how we can contribute to reducing those risks through education.