National Safety Council Targets Teen Driving Risks Ahead of Awareness Week

While 5,247 lives were lost in crashes involving young drivers in 2024—a 6.5% decline from the previous year—the NSC warns that the danger persists. Through the DriveitHOME program, supported by General Motors, the organization is pushing to bridge the gap between parental confidence and actual safety knowledge. Although 82% of parents express confidence in teaching their teens to drive, NSC surveys indicate only 55% feel they possess the necessary expertise on best practices.

To address this, the DriveitHOME platform offers comprehensive resources in English and Spanish, including virtual training modules, localized Graduated Driver Licensing guidance, and a customizable "New Driver Deal" agreement for families to set rules on passenger limits and curfews. Debra Sanchez, executive vice president at NSC, emphasized that a license is merely the beginning, noting that parents must actively model safe behavior long after their teen hits the road. Families can access these materials, including a dedicated tracking app, via the council's online portal to help turn practice hours into lifelong safety habits.