PENNSYLVANIA — In recognition of Teen Driver Safety Week, the Shapiro Administration presented critical safety information and advice to young drivers at high schools throughout Pennsylvania. The event took place on Monday at Cedar Cliff High School where a panel featuring representatives from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), Pennsylvania State Police, Pennsylvania Department of Education, Pennsylvania Insurance Department (PID), and local safety advocates answered students’ questions about policies, procedures, and safety information that directly impacts teen drivers in Pennsylvania.
“Everyone has a role to play in making our highways safer. It’s crucial that we all collaborate to ensure new drivers acquire the necessary experience and knowledge,” said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll. “Parents and educators play a pivotal role in instilling a mindset of safety among teen drivers.”
Motor vehicle accidents are one of the leading causes of death among teenagers. From 2018 to 2022, Pennsylvania recorded 79,684 crashes involving at least one driver aged 16 to 19, leading to 458 fatalities. A significant 65 percent of these accidents were due to factors such as driving too fast for conditions (24,695 crashes), lack of experience (8,296 crashes), driver distraction (11,638 crashes), or improper/careless turning (13,109 crashes).
The risk of accidents involving these factors can be mitigated through practice, limiting passenger numbers in a teen driver’s vehicle, adherence to road rules, and the application of common sense.
Colonel Christopher Paris, Pennsylvania State Police Commissioner, stated, “Parental involvement is a key factor in ensuring young drivers adopt good habits behind the wheel. We can all promote positive behaviors among teen drivers through our actions by eliminating distractions and adhering to all traffic laws, including seatbelt use.”
The panel suggested parents consider the following to help their children become safe and responsible drivers:
- Regular conversations about safe driving.
- Establish a parent/teen driving contract.
- Encourage avoidance of distractions like talking or texting on a cell phone.
- Limit the number of passengers in the vehicle.
- Restrict dawn, dusk, and nighttime driving until more experience is gained.
- Gradually increase the amount of time/distance allowed for driving.
- Enforce speed limits and other road rules.
- Occasionally ride with the teen after they receive their license.
- Set a good example with personal driving habits.
Dr. Khalid N. Mumin, Secretary of Education, added, “Driving is a complex skill that requires years of practice to master. Driver education training programs are invaluable in teaching novice drivers, especially teenagers, the critical skills they need to navigate roads safely.”
The Pennsylvania Insurance Department reminded young drivers that proactive steps such as taking driver’s ed classes and maintaining good grades can help keep their rates lower. Pennsylvania Insurance Commissioner Michael Humphreys also highlighted the importance of auto insurance for young drivers, stating, “While many high school students are excited to get their driver’s license, insurance rates for young drivers are high because young, inexperienced drivers have a higher likelihood of filing insurance claims. As new drivers develop good driving habits, it’s also necessary that they understand the importance of remaining insured and the role of auto insurance, including the coverages they buy.”
For more teen driver safety information, visit PennDOT’s website.
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