National Teen Driver Safety Week: Partnerships and Tips to Prevent Fatalities

Strategic Insights -

As the United States observes National Teen Driver Safety Week from October 16-22, the National Safety Council and State Farm are teaming up to provide crucial information and tools to help keep teen drivers safe. According to the National Safety Council, more than 15 fatalities occur daily in crashes involving drivers between the ages of 15 and 20. To combat this alarming statistic, the National Safety Council has launched teendriver.nsc.org, a comprehensive resource hub containing materials and information to guide parents in reducing teen crash risk.

Key Takeaways:

  • The National Safety Council has partnered with State Farm to promote teen driver safety during National Teen Driver Safety Week.
  • Each day, more than 15 fatalities occur in crashes involving drivers between the ages of 15 to 20, highlighting the need for effective safety measures.
  • Janet Froetscher, president and CEO of the National Safety Council, emphasizes the importance of Graduated Driver Licensing in reducing teen crash risk by up to 40 percent.
  • Parents are encouraged to establish clear expectations and consequences for their teens, using a 5-step approach to reduce teen crash risk:

1. Set a nighttime driving restriction of 10:00 p.m. or earlier

2. Prohibit teen drivers from carrying passengers for the first 6 months

3. Ban all cell phone use while driving, including handheld and hands-free devices

4. Prohibit alcohol use by teen drivers

5. Enforce mandatory safety belt use

  • Emily Clark, State Farm public affairs specialist, notes that motor vehicle crashes remain the leading cause of teen fatalities, with October being the most hazardous month for teen driver crashes.
  • State Farm, a leading insurer in the U.S. and Canada, has pledged to support the National Safety Council in promoting teen driver safety.

Statistics:

  • More than 15 lives are lost daily in crashes involving teen drivers (State Farm).
  • Teendriver.nsc.org serves as a comprehensive resource for parents seeking information to reduce teen crash risk.
  • Graduated Driver Licensing can reduce teen crash risk by up to 40 percent (Janet Froetscher, National Safety Council).
  • Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of teen fatalities, with October being the most hazardous month (Emily Clark, State Farm).
  • State Farm serves 81 million policies and accounts in the United States and Canada.

Sources:

  • National Safety Council
  • State Farm
  • Janet Froetscher, president and CEO, National Safety Council
  • Emily Clark, public affairs specialist, State Farm