National Teen Driver Safety Week Kicks off October 18

Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for 14-18 year olds in the uS. In 2013, there were 2,614 teen (15-19 year old) passenger vehicle drivers involved in fatal crashes and an estimated 130,000 were injured.

Join Evergreen Safety Council and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in recognizing Teen Driver Safety Week this October 18th - 24th.

This years' Teen Driver Safety week theme is “5 to drive” and addresses the five most dangerous and deadly behaviors for teen drivers. Those dangers include alcohol, seat belts, texting, speeding, and extra passengers.

Know a teen who is driving or getting ready to drive? Teen Driver Safety week is a great time to start a conversation about driving safety, but be sure to continue the conversation often.

Did you know? Evergreen Safety Council is proud to offer teen driving courses through our Evergreen Driving School.

We’ve put together a safety inspired, teen-centric training program that meets all of the washington State department of licensing requirements.

with over 80 years of training, the Evergreen Safety Council has helped thousands of students bring out their best while keeping safety in mind.

The “5 to Drive” rules are:

1. No Drinking and Driving. Almost one out of five (19 percent) of the young drivers (15 to 19 years old) involved in fatal crashes had been drinking, even though they were too young to legally buy or possess alcohol.
2. Buckle Up. Every Trip. Every Time. Front Seat and Back. 64 percent of all the young (13- to 19-year-old) passengers of teen (15- to 19-year-old) drivers who died in motor vehicle crashes in 2013 weren’t restrained.
3. Put It Down. One Text or Call Could Wreck It All. The age group of 15 to 19 years old has the highest percentage of drivers who were distracted by cell phone use and involved in a fatal crash. In 2013, 156 people were killed in crashes that involved a distracted teen driver.
4. Stop Speeding Before It Stops You. In 2013, almost one-third (29 percent) of teen drivers involved in a fatal crash were speeding.
5. No More Than One Passenger at a Time. The risk of a fatal crash goes up with each additional passenger.

By Tom Odegaard, President/Executive Director Evergreen Safety Council