National Teen Driver Safety Week takes place October 20 – 26 and is the perfect time to talk with teens about safe driving habits. Crashes continue to be the leading causes of death for teens, and the statistics don’t lie—although teens only represent five percent of drivers on Nevada’s roadways, they represent 10 percent of all the crashes in the state. Nevada Zero Teen Fatalities is highlighting the risk factors and tips for young drivers in honor of the holiday because one traffic fatality is one too many.
Risk Factors
- Passengers – Teen drivers are two and a half times more likely to engage in risky behaviors when driving with a teenage passenger compared to driving alone. That likelihood increases to three times with multiple teenage passengers, demonstrating a direct link between the risk of a fatal crash and the number of teenagers in the car.
- Texting – Texting while driving increases a teen’s risk of a crash by 23 times. Despite that, one in three teens admitted to texting while driving.
- Speeding – In 2022, speed played a factor in 30 percent of teen fatal crashes.
- Drunk Driving and Drugs – In 2022, 22 percent of young drivers involved in fatal crashes had been drinking.
- Seat Belts: Seat belt use is the lowest among teen drivers. In 2022, 50 percent of fatalities in a teen driver-related crash were not wearing their seat belt.
Parents
- Lead by Example – Teens watch and naturally pick up driving habits by watching their parents. As a role model for teen drivers, it is important for parents to practice and exemplify safe driving habits to set an example.
- Set Consequences for Unsafe Driving – Consider imposing consequences for breaking rules like limiting drive time and access to where they can drive.
- Familiarize yourself with Nevada’s Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) Laws – GDL laws were created to limit high-risk driving situations for new drivers. Understanding the restrictions and reasoning behind the laws can open the doors to candid conversations about road safety with teens.
- Remind Teens to Drive Sober – So many lives have been needlessly lost to impaired driving. Emphasize how important it is to never get behind the wheel impaired. Let your teen know you are always available to pick them up regardless of time or location.
Teens
- Driving is a Lifelong Endeavor – The first few years of driving are pivotal for building a foundation of safe driving habits. Remember to follow the rules, educate yourself and listen to your parents.
- Don’t Text and Drive – No matter how important you think a conversation is, it can wait. It is never a good idea to text while driving and it is not only dangerous to the driver, but to all other cars and pedestrians around.
- Don’t Drive Impaired – Driving impaired does not only include alcohol. Over-the-counter and prescription drugs can also cause impaired driving. Never get behind the wheel impaired, no matter the distance or how “fine” you feel.
- Wear Your Seatbelt – Seat belts must be worn in both the front and the back seats. It only takes a couple of seconds to buckle up and it is one of the most effective ways of reducing the chances of death and injury.
- Choices – Driving is all about choices and the decisions we make as drivers. We hope that everyone makes good choices on wearing a seatbelt, watching your speed, avoid distractions, and never drive impaired. The choice is yours…
Zero Teen Fatalities would like to remind our young drivers, and everybody involved with their lives that it’s not just a week—it’s a lifetime and it starts with everyone. For additional information, please visit https://zeroteenfatalities.com/about-ztf/.
About Zero Fatalities
Nevada’s Zero Fatalities Program is all about eliminating fatalities on Nevada roadways. Some people may think zero is an impossible goal, but when it comes to your family and friends, what other number would be acceptable? We’re aiming for zero because everyone matters. The road to zero targets key behaviors like buckling up, being pedestrian and motorcycle safe, eliminating impaired driving, focusing on the road, and stopping on red.
To learn more about Nevada traffic safety, log on to www.zerofatalitiesnv.com. Follow Zero Fatalities on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Media Contacts
Terri Maruca | Alden Tseng
Kirvin Doak Communications
tmaruca@kirvindoak.com | atseng@kirvindoak.com
Anita Pepper, Public Information Officer
State of Nevada | Department of Public Safety | Office of Traffic Safety
a.pepper@dps.state.nv.us
