National Teen Driver Safety Week, held from October 20-26, 2024, spotlighted the need for parents and guardians to discuss the serious risks of impaired driving with teens. Organized by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the week aimed to create open conversations between parents and teens about the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol and other substances. With one in five teen drivers involved in fatal crashes found to have alcohol in their system, NHTSA urges parents to reinforce the message that even small amounts of alcohol or drugs, including marijuana or prescription medications, can impair judgment and lead to deadly consequences on the road.

Beyond education in schools, parents play a key role in helping teens internalize the life-or-death significance of avoiding impaired driving. NHTSA data reveals that teens are particularly vulnerable to the risks associated with alcohol use behind the wheel, as they often lack the driving experience to handle unexpected situations safely. Parents can use National Teen Driver Safety Week to model responsible behavior, encourage teens to never drive under the influence, and set clear expectations that impaired driving will not be tolerated. Emphasizing that safe driving is a privilege that must be earned through responsible actions can help teens understand the seriousness of impaired driving.

The NHTSA also provides parents with practical guidance on having these crucial conversations about the risks of alcohol and other substances. This includes helping teens understand that any level of impairment can affect their driving ability and putting systems in place, such as always having a safe way to get home if they are in situations where alcohol or drugs are present. National Teen Driver Safety Week serves as a reminder that preventing impaired driving among teens is a collective responsibility shared by families, schools, and communities.

Find more information from NHTSA (USA, October, 2024)