Date
Wednesday
Jan

January 1-31

Teen Driving Awareness Month

Buckle up and join us in promoting safe driving during Teen Driving Awareness Month - let's keep our roads safe for everyone!

Yearly Date
January 1
Type
Month

Introduction

Get ready to buckle up and hit the road because January 1 marks the start of Teen Driving Awareness Month! This month-long observance aims to promote safe driving habits among teenage drivers, who are at a higher risk for accidents compared to any other age group. Did you know that car crashes are the leading cause of death for teens in the United States? That's why it's important to raise awareness and educate young drivers about the importance of following traffic laws and practicing responsible driving. So let's make this month a memorable one by promoting safe driving practices and keeping our roads safer for everyone!

Teen Driving Awareness Month Timeline

1950s
Rise of Teen Driving
The post-war boom in the 1950s led to an increase in car ownership and subsequently a rise in the number of teenagers driving.
1975
Establishment of NHTSA
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) was established to handle the growing crisis of motor vehicle-related fatalities, including teen drivers.
1996
Graduated Driver Licensing
Florida becomes the first state to introduce a Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system reducing high crash rates among teen drivers.
2007
Advocacy for Teen Safe Driving
The Allstate Foundation establishes the first Teen Safe Driving Program to address the need for greater teen driver safety.
2013
National Teen Driver Safety Week
The third week of October is declared National Teen Driver Safety Week, recognizing the significant risks for teen drivers and promoting safe teen driving practices.
2015
Teen Driving Awareness Month
The elements from National Teen Driver Safety Week were extended to an entire month. January is designated as National Teen Driving Awareness Month to further emphasize the importance of teen driving safety.

How to Celebrate Teen Driving Awareness Month

1

Create a safe driving pledge

Encourage teens to take a pledge to practice safe driving habits, such as wearing a seatbelt, avoiding distractions, and following traffic laws. Display the pledges in a prominent area to serve as a reminder.

2

Host a car maintenance workshop

Partner with a local mechanic or car dealership to host a workshop for teens on basic car maintenance. This can include changing a tire, checking oil levels, and other important safety tips.

3

Organize a distracted driving simulation

Set up a distracted driving simulation to show teens the dangers of texting or using their phone while driving. This can be done with virtual reality technology or by having participants navigate through an obstacle course while texting.

4

Collaborate with local law enforcement

Partner with local law enforcement to have them speak to teens about the consequences of reckless driving and the importance of following traffic laws. They can also demonstrate proper techniques for handling different driving scenarios.

5

Host a teen driving safety fair

Organize a fair where local businesses and organizations can set up booths and provide information on safe driving practices. This can also include activities like a driving simulator, car maintenance demonstrations, and more.

Why Teen Driving Awareness Month is Important

A

It brings attention to the dangers of teenage driving

Teen Driving Awareness Month is an important reminder of the risks and consequences associated with teens getting behind the wheel. It brings awareness to issues such as distracted driving, speeding, and not wearing a seatbelt - helping to educate both teenagers and their parents about the importance of safe driving practices.

B

It promotes responsible driving habits

By highlighting the dangers of reckless driving, Teen Driving Awareness Month encourages young drivers to adopt safer habits on the road, such as obeying traffic laws, maintaining appropriate speeds, and avoiding distractions. This helps create a culture of responsibility and accountability for teen drivers.

C

It supports community involvement

Many organizations and communities participate in Teen Driving Awareness Month by hosting events, workshops, and campaigns focused on educating teens about safe driving. This creates a sense of community involvement and encourages young drivers to actively participate in promoting safe driving practices among their peers.

Teen Driving Awareness Month Dates

Year
Date
Day
2023
Dec 31
Saturday
2024
Dec 31
Sunday
2025
Dec 31
Tuesday
2026
Dec 31
Wednesday
2027
Dec 31
Thursday