MONTGOMERY – This Teen Driver Safety Week, observed Oct. 19–25, the Alabama Law
Enforcement Agency (ALEA) is encouraging families across the state to help young drivers
build safer habits from the start. Under the theme “Driven to Drive Right,” ALEA is partnering
with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
(NHTSA) to promote lifelong safe driving behaviors among teens and to remind parents that
they play a crucial role in the shaping those habits long before the keys are ever handed over.
In 2024 alone, 25,047 crashes in Alabama involved licensed drivers ages 15–19, resulting in the
tragic loss of 95 lives, according to Drive Safe Alabama.
“These are not just numbers. These are classmates, sons and daughters, friends and teammates
whose lives were cut short,” ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor said. “New drivers are still learning,
and we all have a duty, especially parents, to guide, teach and model safe driving behaviors
before handing over the keys.”
In 2023 nationwide, 2,611 people were killed in crashes involving a teen driver (ages 15–18). Of
those, 822 were teen drivers themselves, and 604 were passengers riding with them. Trends show
62 percent of those passenger fatalities were teens, with young males making up two-thirds of
the victims.
ALEA stresses that every decision behind the wheel counts. One poor choice can result in
devastating consequences — whether it’s speeding, driving distracted, skipping the seat belt, or
driving impaired.
“We want to send a strong message to every Alabama family: Talk to your teens early and often
about driving safely,” said Colonel Jonathan Archer, Director of ALEA’s Department of Public
Safety (DPS). “Teen Driver Safety Week is an ideal time to start these conversations, but it
shouldn’t stop there. Safety starts at home and continues every time they get behind the wheel.”
ALEA encourages parents to cover the following rules of the road with their teen drivers:
1. Put the cell phones down while driving
2. Obey the speed limit
3. No alcohol or drugs
4. Never drive while impaired
5. Limit passengers — especially other teens
6. Know Alabama’s Graduated Driver License (GDL) Law
Research shows that teens with parents who set clear driving rules and expectations are far less
likely to engage in risky driving. These conversations, along with your example behind the
wheel, could save a life.
To help families start the conversation, NHTSA and ALEA recommend visiting
www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/teen-driving for conversation guides, driving agreements and tips for
reinforcing safe habits.
“Teenagers are excited to gain their independence, and driving is a big part of that,” added
Secretary Taylor. “But independence comes with responsibility. The best gift we can give them
is the knowledge, support and structure to help them make it home safely, every time.”
Media Release/Senior Trooper Brandon Bailey/Alabama Law Enforcement Agency
