National Teen Driver Safety Week is October 15-21
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This week - and every week, parents should have conversations with their teens about the important rules they need to follow to stay safe behind the wheel of a motor vehicle. These rules address the greatest dangers for teen drivers: alcohol, inconsistent or no seat belt use, distracted and drowsy driving, speeding, and number of passengers.
Facts About Teen Driver Fatalities
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- Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death for teens (15-18 years old) in the United States.
- 2,608 people were killed in crashes involving a teen passenger vehicle driver (15-18 years old) in 2021, of which 861 deaths were the teen driver.
- Parents and guardians can be the biggest influence on our teen’s choices when they are behind the wheel.
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It is important for parents to have these conversations with their teens in order to help keep the roads safe and minimize underage drinking overall. According to the 2022 Monitoring the Future Survey:
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- Alcohol use remained stable from 2021 for 8th and 10th graders (with 15.2% and 31.3% reporting use in the past year, respectively) but returned to pre-pandemic levels for 12th graders in 2022 (with 51.9% of 12th graders reporting alcohol use in the past year).
- Cannabis use also remained stable for all three grades surveyed, with 8.3% of 8th graders, 19.5% of 10th graders, and 30.7% of 12th graders reporting cannabis use in the past year.
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The Launch of MADD’s Keep me Posted Campaign
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MADD has officially launched our nationwide Keep me Posted Campaign. This campaign encourages youth to protect themselves from the dangers of underage substance use using daily affirmations as a reminder of ways they can take care of their health, safety, and wellbeing. A simple reminder on a post-it note can make a lasting impression on a young person’s outlook and behaviors!
The Keep me Posted Campaign also empowers parents and guardians to check in and foster a closer bond with their children and teenagers, generating conversations so they keep their parents posted on how they are doing.
What can you do in your community? Contact a Program Specialist from the MADD Virginia office! We can attend community events, assist you with obtaining substance abuse prevention booklets, and provide in-person or virtual presentations for parents and youth. Email [email protected] or call 804-353-7121 x 5153.
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Impaired Driving Stories in the News
7/10/23 South Boston Woman Charged with DUI in Fatal Crash
8/13/23 Police Say Crash on Peters Creek Road May Have Been Alcohol or Drug Related
8/17/23 Angel Hernandez Perez, 22, Loudoun County
8/20/23 Fairfax Officer on Administrative Leave Following DUI Arrest
8/20/23 Alcohol Believed to Be Factor in Rocky Mount Crash
8/21/23 Norfolk Man Gets 12 Years for Crash That Killed Girlfriend
8/23/23 Jerry Womack, 57, Halifax County
8/29/23 Drunk Driver Crashes into Marked Patrol Car
9/1/23 Ryan Michael Hardy, 38, and Zion Benjamin Hardy, 16, Pittsylvania County
9/6/23 Angelo Farrer, 51, King George County
9/12/23 Labor Day Alcohol Related Crashes in Virginia
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Halloween is on Tuesday, October 31
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This Halloween, let’s make happy memories, not tragic nightmares. The only thing scarier than zombies and witches loose on the streets is an impaired driver. This year, NHTSA is teaming up with local officials to help spread the message that Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving
Even one alcoholic beverage could be one too many for some drivers. So, if you plan to drive, plan to refrain from alcohol. If you do plan to enjoy some witch’s brew, be sure to arrange a sober ride home in advance. Stay safe on Halloween night, and every night. (Source: https://www.trafficsafetymarketing.gov/get-materials/drunk-driving/buzzed-driving-drunk-driving/halloween)
Help us spread the word by sharing this messaging on social media. Resources available here.
Want more to share? Follow us on Facebook, Insta and Tik-Tok.
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Volunteers Kristine and Nicie Villatoro were selected to record the story of the loss of daughter/sister Anna Marie Dalton for a new MADD Online VIP.
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Volunteer Vanessa Haislip speaking at a Sobriety Checkpoint Roll Call Briefing in Henrico County. Also pictured is MADD Mid-Atlantic Board member Corporal Craig Jones of the Henrico Police Department.
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MADD Mid-Atlantic Board Member, Lisa Black, speaking at Virginia State Police HQ to the new recruits.
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This newsletter is supported by a federal highway safety grant administered by the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles.
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Subscribe to our blog to hear from victims, advocates and people fighting for justice.
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The 2023 Walk Like MADD season won’t be complete without you.
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Stay up-to-date on new laws, read inspiring victim stories and more when you connect with MADD.
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Mothers Against Drunk Driving
5310 Markel Rd #101 Richmond, VA 23230
madd.org/va | 877.ASK.MADD
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24-Hour Victim Help Line 877.MADD.HELP
© 2023 Mothers Against Drunk Driving
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