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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!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1950s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Rise of Teen Driving</div><div class='timeline-text'>The post-war boom in the 1950s led to an increase in car ownership and subsequently a rise in the number of teenagers driving.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1975</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Establishment of NHTSA</div><div class='timeline-text'>The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) was established to handle the growing crisis of motor vehicle-related fatalities, including teen drivers.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1996</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Graduated Driver Licensing</div><div class='timeline-text'>Florida becomes the first state to introduce a Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system reducing high crash rates among teen drivers.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2007</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Advocacy for Teen Safe Driving</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Allstate Foundation establishes the first Teen Safe Driving Program to address the need for greater teen driver safety.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2013</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>National Teen Driver Safety Week</div><div class='timeline-text'>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.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2015</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Teen Driving Awareness Month</div><div class='timeline-text'>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.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Create a safe driving pledge</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>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.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a car maintenance workshop</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>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.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Organize a distracted driving simulation</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>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.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Collaborate with local law enforcement</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>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.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a teen driving safety fair</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>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.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It brings attention to the dangers of teenage driving</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>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.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It promotes responsible driving habits</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>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.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It supports community involvement</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>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.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Traffic Accidents are the Leading Cause of Death for Teens</h3><p class='facts-content'>According to the CDC, motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for U.S. teens, making driving safety a crucial issue.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Proper Seat Belt Use is Vital</h3><p class='facts-content'>The use of seat belts reduces the risk of death and serious injuries among teen drivers and passengers by about half.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Teen Drivers are More Likely to Speed</h3><p class='facts-content'>Teen drivers, especially males, are statistically more likely to be involved in speed-related accidents.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Drinking and Driving is a Major Risk Factor</h3><p class='facts-content'>Teens are more likely than older drivers to underestimate dangerous situations and are less likely to recognize when they are under the influence of alcohol.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Graduated Driver Licensing Programs are Effective</h3><p class='facts-content'>A GDL program allows young drivers to safely gain driving experience before obtaining full privileges and is a proven effective measure to reduce fatal teen crashes.</p></div></div>
Teen Driving Awareness Month is celebrated on January 1 every year. In 2024, it falls on a Monday.
2023
Jan 1
Sunday
2024
Jan 1
Monday
2025
Jan 1
Wednesday
2026
Jan 1
Thursday
2027
Jan 1
Friday
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