Parents' Coalition to Stop Teen Driving Deaths NOW

04/28/2026

Drunk driving continues to claim lives every single day, and the numbers show just how persistent and preventable this issue is.

Around 37 people die daily in alcohol-impaired crashes in the United States, which is a reminder that risk is often closer than we think.

The real problem is not awareness alone, but consistent choices behind the wheel.

Changing behavior is what ultimately saves lives.

About 37 people in America die each day in drunk-driving car crashes. That equals one alcohol-impaired driving fatality every 39 minutes.[1] Over the 10-year period from 2012 to 2021, about 10,850 people died each year in drunk driving car accidents.[1] These tragic car accidents involving dru

04/26/2026

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration urges motorists to plant safe driving habits by focusing entirely on the road this spring.

Distracted driving involves any activity that diverts your attention away from the primary task of operating your vehicle.

Parents should maintain frequent conversations with their young drivers to reinforce the importance of staying alert.

Following posted speed limits and buckling up every time helps protect everyone during their travels.



https://fcfreepresspa.com/nhtsa-shares-spring-safe-driving-tips/

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is encouraging drivers to build safer habits this spring through a new safe driving message campaign. In a recent post, NHTSA urged drivers to […]

04/26/2026

Drunk driving still kills far too many people each day in the United States and accounts for a significant portion of all traffic deaths every year.

These crashes impact drivers of all ages, and in many states, the rates are climbing instead of falling.

The data shows a strong need for ongoing prevention and public awareness efforts.

Every choice not to drive impaired saves lives and prevents heartbreak on the roads.
https://www.forbes.com/advisor/car-insurance/drunk-driving-statistics/

04/25/2026

Distracted driving contributed to over 300 injuries and fatalities in South Dakota during a single year.

Research indicates that re-engaging your mind after a distraction can take nearly forty seconds.

Drivers should pull over to a safe location to handle any task that requires taking eyes off the road.

Maintaining total focus behind the wheel remains the best way to prevent these avoidable tragedies.



https://www.dakotanewsnow.com/2026/04/02/distracted-driving-what-know-if-you-cause-crash/

According to the South Dakota Office of Highway Safety, 325 residents were killed or injured in distracted driving-related crashes in 2022.

02/21/2026

Technology is beneficial. But used in the wrong places, it can be dangerous.

According to a survey, 29% of drivers indicated "that they’d been in a car crash (10%) or almost been (19%) due to technology-related distracted driving on their part or another person's."

Distracted driving is dangerous. Yet, many people still continue to be distracted. The survey also found that 33% of drivers "admitted to browsing apps, and 40% admitted to texting or emailing on their phone while driving."

More eye-opening statistics here:

Distracted driving killed 3,275 people in 2023. See the latest statistics on deaths, injuries, insurance costs and state laws. Plus: 2026 shows 8.6% improvement.

02/17/2026

UDOT's Super Bowl ad delivers a stark reminder that a quick glance at your phone can change lives forever.

The Zero Fatalities campaign highlights how distracted driving remains one of Utah's leading causes of serious crashes.

By airing the message during the Super Bowl and through the Winter Olympics, officials hope to spark real conversations at home.

One choice behind the wheel can have lasting consequences.

A new Super Bowl commercial from UDOT delivers a blunt warning to drivers across the state: checking your phone behind the wheel can have deadly consequences.

11/01/2025

Update your driving habits! The safest hand position is now 9 and 3, not 10 and 2.

This change improves safety and control, thanks to modern car features.

Drive safe and keep those hands at 9 and 3!
https://www.stopteendrivingdeaths.org/blog/why-10-and-2-is-no-longer-the-best-way-to-drive

10/27/2025

Recent studies reveal that drivers often become more complacent and distracted when using partial automation systems.

While these technologies aim to make driving safer, they sometimes encourage risky multitasking behaviors.

Drivers frequently turn to their phones, eat, or engage in other activities, diverting their focus away from the road.

Let's advocate for more robust safeguards and responsible usage to ensure these advancements serve their purpose effectively—keeping us safe on the road.

Drivers are more likely to multitask and not pay close attention when using partial automation systems, doing things like eating, grooming and using electronics.

10/26/2025

“It’s OK, my friend is driving.” For a parent, these words should raise a red flag, not bring a sigh of relief.

Nearly half of all young people killed in car crashes are passengers. It is a critical mistake to assume your teen is safe just because they aren't the one behind the wheel.

Before they get in a car, you should ask who is driving, how long they’ve had their license, and how many other kids will be in the vehicle.

Remember to check your state’s Graduated Driver's License (GDL) laws, as most restrict the number of non-family passengers a new driver can have.

Prioritizing your teen’s safety over convenience is a choice that can prevent a tragedy.

https://www.stopteendrivingdeaths.org/blog/teen-driving-myth-1-its-ok-my-friend-is-driving

10/25/2025

A new survey reveals a crucial element for preparing young drivers for the road: supervised practice.

A significant 86% of young drivers said that time spent driving with supervision was the most effective way to prepare them.

With traffic crashes being a leading cause of death for those aged 15-18, increasing the number of supervised hours is vital for building both confidence and competence behind the wheel.

It’s time to prioritize supervised practice within driver education programs to keep our teens safe.

A new survey finds that young drivers felt more empowered when they spent more time practicing behind the wheel, according to Progressive Insurance. The insurer surveyed 513 new drivers aged 18 to 25 who got their license in the last five years to understand what was most effective in preparing them...