Driving marks a pivotal moment in a teenager’s journey toward independence. While this newfound freedom is exciting, it carries immense responsibility. Teen drivers are statistically more prone to crashes than any other age group, highlighting the need for a focused approach on safety, prevention, and informed decision-making. With National Teen Driver Safety Week upon us, here’s how we can empower teens to navigate the roads safely and make wise choices behind the wheels.
National Teen Driver Safety Week
Every October, we celebrate National Teen Driver Safety Week to highlight the importance of teen driving safety and to promote awareness about the risks young drivers face. This year, National Teen Driver Safety Week will be held from October 20-26, 2024. During this week, various organizations, schools, and communities come together to educate teens and their families about safe driving practices. Our very own Cara Filler, founder and lead speaker at The Drive to Save Lives, will be delivering 12 school assemblies across the state of Missouri this week in support of this worthwhile and potentially life saving awareness campaign.
National Teen Driver Safety Week offers an excellent opportunity to engage in various initiatives aimed at promoting safe driving habits among teens. This week is also a prime time to access resources provided by organizations like the National Safety Council, including toolkits, posters, and social media kits, all designed to spread awareness. Additionally, joining campaigns and initiatives like the DriveitHOME program can further reinforce safe driving practices.
Understanding the Risks
Teen drivers face unique challenges on the road. Lack of experience, peer pressure, and a tendency to take risks can lead to dangerous situations. According to the CDC, motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for U.S. teens. Understanding these risks is the first step toward prevention.
Driving Success: Empowering Driving Safety in Our High Schools
To support National Teen Driver Safety Week, schools can host workshops and assemblies with guest speaker experts on safe driving, empower students through peer-to-peer education programs, and implement programming resources from SADD.org such as Rock the Belt, TextLess Live More, and Passport to Safe Driving.
As high school administrators and educators, you play a pivotal role in empowering students to make smart choices behind the wheel during National Teen Driver Safety Week.
Encourage students to avoid distractions by putting phones away and focusing solely on the road. Emphasize that driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal and extremely dangerous. Remind them to always buckle up and ensure all passengers do the same.
Equip students with the confidence to make safe choices even under peer pressure, and encourage them to speak up if they feel unsafe. Teach them to assess driving situations critically, plan routes in advance, check traffic and weather conditions, and allow extra time to avoid rushing. Finally, instill techniques for staying calm and composed, such as deep breathing or safely pulling over if they feel overwhelmed.
Driving is a privilege that comes with significant responsibilities. By prioritizing prevention, making informed choices, and honing strong decision-making skills, teens can navigate the road safely. Parents, educators, and students all play crucial roles in fostering a culture of safety and responsibility behind the wheel. Together, we can ensure that our young drivers are well-prepared to face road challenges and make it home safely EVERY TIME.