Prioritize teen driver safety during National Teen Driver Safety Week
For Immediate Release: Oct 17 2024
STATEWIDE, N.D. – As National Teen Driver Safety Week approaches from Oct. 20-26, Vision Zero is calling on parents and guardians to have crucial conversations with their teen drivers about responsible driving behaviors.
Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of injury-related death in North Dakota. In 2023 in North Dakota, teen drivers accounted for 6% of all licensed drivers but were behind the wheel in nearly 20% of all crashes and were involved in 6% of fatal crashes. Vision Zero is focusing on reducing injuries and fatalities by encouraging families to prioritize safety behind the wheel.
Inexperience combined with risk-taking behaviors – like speeding, driving under the influence, using a phone while driving, neglecting seat belts and driving with multiple passengers – is a dangerous mix that contributes to teen driver crashes, fatalities and injuries. Vision Zero Outreach Coordinators are committed to reducing these numbers through awareness, education and working closely with schools across North Dakota.
Vision Zero emphasizes the following critical reminders for parents and their teen drivers:
- Always buckle up. Every seat. Every trip. Every time.
- No distractions. Cell phone use is dangerous and illegal for teens.
- Always follow the speed limit and drive for road conditions.
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal and life-threatening.
- Limit passengers. The risk of crashes increases with more passengers in the vehicle.
Learn more about traffic safety initiatives at VisionZero.ND.gov or join the conversation on the Vision Zero ND Facebook or X page.
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