Teen Driver Safety Week Oct 17-23

From 2015-2019, 159 infants, children, and youth died in Colorado as a result of passenger vehicle crashes. Youth ages 15-17 had a significantly higher death rate than other age groups. Nationally, motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for youth ages 15-18 years old. Learn more about motor vehicle deaths in Colorado in this data brief. 

Parents and caregivers provide crucial influence over the choices young drivers make. School staff, medical providers, and others in the community also play an important role in young driver safety. 

The Colorado Young Driver's Alliance (CYDA) is seeking injury prevention partners to help raise awareness about young driver safety and Colorado's Graduated Drivers Licensing (GDL) laws. Examples of GDL awareness activities could include hosting a table at a school event or sharing GDL and driver safety messages in a school newsletter or community-wide platform.

The Colorado GDL Toolkit is one important resource, created by the CYDA, and has resources for young drivers, families, and networks.  

Please contact CDPHE's Motor Vehicle Program Coordinator, Ashley Nicks, ashley.nicks@state.co.us, if you'd like to learn more about partnering with CYDA or to find out what's already planned in your community.

Additionally, the Children's Safety Network recently shared the following resources on young driver safety and crash prevention:

Teen Driving Safety: Recent Research and Implications for Prevention - Children's Safety Network Webinar

A New GDL Framework: Evidence Base to Integrate Novice Driver Strategies - National Safety Council

A New GDL Framework: Planning for the Future - National Safety Council

Keep Teen Drivers Safe - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention