- Massachusetts Department of Transportation
October is a month filled with fall foliage, pumpkin spice, and an important reminder to prioritize safety, especially for parents with teen drivers. October recognizes National Teen Driver Safety Week (October 15-21) and National School Bus Safety Week (October 16-20). Now is a perfect time to discuss some crucial tips to ensure your young driver stays safe on the road.
National Teen Driver Safety Week is dedicated to raising awareness and seeking solutions to prevent teen injuries and deaths on the road. According to The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2021 there were 2,608 people killed in crashes involving a teen driver. Below are some tips for parents from NHTSA as your teen takes this step towards independence. By implementing these safety tips and being proactive in their education and training, we can help our teens become responsible, confident, and safe drivers.
- Learn your state’s GDL laws
- Talk to your teen about the rules and responsibilities involved in driving
- Remind your teen often that driving is a skill that requires the driver’s full attention
- Talk to your teen about the dangers of drug and alcohol use
- Remind them that it is illegal to drink under the age of 21, and it is illegal, and deadly, to drink and drive
- Be a good role model
- Set aside time to take your teen on practice driving sessions
NHTSA reminds you that you influence your teen more than you may think. Be a good example, get involved in their driving habits from the beginning, and stay involved for their teen years.
National School Bus Safety Week is the perfect time of year to revisit safety tips and learn more about keeping students and drivers safe. Remind your teen that school buses travel at slower speeds, and they should maintain a safe distance. Most importantly, always be aware of children getting on and off the bus.
This October, let's observe National Teen Driver Safety Week and National School Bus Safety Week by focusing on the well-being of our young drivers. Stay safe, and enjoy the beautiful autumn season!
MassDOT’s Highway Assistance Program sponsored by MAPFRE Insurance is on patrol to help all motorists, including motorcyclists, on the highways. Patrol operators monitor some of the state’s busiest highways around Metro Boston, Worcester, Springfield and Cape Cod (seasonal). The Highway Assistance Patrol covers 13 major state roadways and interstates, the Emergency Service Patrol covers the Mass Pike (I-90) from New York to Boston and the Incident Response Operators cover the Metropolitan Highway System and tunnels. The Highway Assistance Patrol is in service Monday–Friday between the hours of 6 a.m.–10 a.m. and 3 p.m.–7 p.m. During holidays, there are extended routes in heavy traffic areas. On I-90, and in Boston’s tunnel system, assistance is provided 24 hours per day, 7 days a week.
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