"5 to Drive" Teen Safety Campaign

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) created a campaign that challenges parents to discuss five critical driving practices with their teenage drivers that can have the greatest beneficial impacts in the event of a crash.

Parents should have conversations with their teens about the important rules they need to follow to stay safe behind the wheel of a passenger car, truck, or SUV. 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.

For teens, driving means freedom. That doesn’t necessarily mean safety: most teens find themselves in danger on the road simply because they lack experience behind the wheel.

The "5 to Drive" campaign encourages parents to visit www.safercar.gov/parents/teendriving and discuss with their teens these safety topics which include:

• No cell phone use or texting while driving
• No extra passengers
• No speeding
• No alcohol
• No driving or riding without a seat belt