The week of October 18-24 is National Teen Driver Safety Week. Motor vehicle crashes are the number one killer of teens 14-18 years of age in the U.S. Almost half of the teen drivers involved in a crash die. Yet, a recent survey shows that only 25% of parents have had a serious talk with their kids about the key components of driving.

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has a campaign called “5 to Drive” that challenges parents to discuss five critical driving practices that can help teens become better drivers. The campaign gives parents and teens a simple, straightforward checklist that can help them talk about good driving skills and most importantly, prevent a tragedy before it happens.

Nevada is joining NHTSA to promote National Teen Driver Safety Week via promotions and messaging through the Zero Teen Fatalities program’s social media channels, e-mail newsletters to registered teens and parents, as well as school visits. In Nevada, teens represent a very small percentage of our driving public, but are the most likely group to be involved in a fatal crash.

Remember “5 to Drive” – Set the Rules Before They Hit the Road. Click here for more information.

Both events are free and open to high school and college students, parents, and teachers/school administrators. There will be free racing for teens who register (or are already registered) for Zero Teen Fatalities, free food and drinks, games, and door prizes. There will be registrations and information on our plans for the 2015-16 program year.