FRANKFORT, Ky. (Oct. 13, 2023) – National Teen Driver Safety Week is October 15th through 21st, and Governor Beshear is encouraging parents and guardians to have a conversation with teens about safe driving habits. Beshear says having an open dialogue is one way parents can put their minds at ease before handing over the keys.
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Secretary Jim Gray says because they are new to driving, teen drivers are a potential danger to themselves and to other road users. Gray says parents need to set the rules before handing over the car keys, and set a good example when they are behind the wheel.
According to KYTC’s Office of Highway Safety, over the past three years in Kentucky, there were more than 44,000 crashes involving a teenage driver, resulting in more than 13,000 injuries and 211 deaths.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says that per mile driven, teens are involved in three times as many fatal crashes as all other drivers.
NHTSA’s website offers information and statistics on teen driving and outlines six basic rules for the road: Avoid Distracted Driving. Wear Seat Belts. Take Extra Caution While Driving with Passengers. Obey Speed Limits. Never Drive Impaired. And Don’t Drive Drowsy. Visit nhtsa.gov and click on the Road Safety tab.
For additional assistance, the Kentucky Office of Highway Safety has partnered with the Kentucky Safety Prevention Alignment Network to develop the Kentucky Checkpoints™ program. This free program works with county and community entities, high schools and health departments to educate parents and teens on Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) requirements and risks to teen drivers. The program is available for free in all 120 counties with a “Train the Trainer” class and printed materials provided for free. To learn more visit safekentucky.org and click on the Highway Safety tab.
