Be aware of the top dangers for teen drivers

October 15-21 is National Teen Driver Safety Week. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) 5 to Drive campaign highlights five of the biggest driving dangers for teens. They are: alcohol, cell phones, lack of seat belt use, speeding and extra passengers.

According to MichiganTrafficCrashFacts.org., last year, 1,893 motor vehicle drivers in Michigan were reported to be using cell phones at the time of a crash. Of those drivers, 18.3 percent were 20 years old or younger.

Parents and guardians should be aware they are a major influence on the driving decisions made by their teens and remember to always model safe driving behaviors. For more safe driving information and resources for teens as well as parents/guardians, please visit Michigan.gov/teendriver.  

You're invited to a Secretary of State experience like no other!

On October 7, teen drivers and their families are invited to explore all aspects of the Secretary of State’s Office at SOSLive, a free family expo in Waterford that will feature driving simulators, interactive games, technology demos, job opportunities and a full-service mobile SOS office.

The first-of-its-kind event is intended to provide immersive activities and hands-on experiences for all ages. Visitors will be able to see firsthand the impact of impaired driving, distracted driving, rollovers and crashes through simulations. They can also hop behind the wheel of driving simulators for big trucks and cars and even ride a motorcycle simulator.

Staff from the Secretary of State’s Office and many partner organizations will be present to hand out giveaways and answer questions.There will also be a news conference that interested students can participate in as correspondents.

SOSLive runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Waterford Mott High School, 1151 Scott Lake Road in Waterford Township. For more information, please visit michigan.gov/soslive and click on the video below.

"Driving is a privilege. Once you obtain a driver’s license, you must continually show that you have the skill and knowledge to drive safely, or your driver’s license may be restricted, suspended, or revoked." Ruth Johnson Secretary of State

Get it in writing!

Have your teen take action by agreeing to a parent-teen safe driving contract about wearing safety belts, not speeding, not driving after drinking, and not using a cell phone behind the wheel! 

Get many more tips and strategies in the Parent's Supervised Driving Guide.

Don't veer for deer!

There were more than 47,000 vehicle-deer crashes in Michigan in 2015 and 11 resulting motorist fatalities. 

When driving, do not swerve or veer to avoid hitting a deer, as this is often more dangerous than striking the animal. Brake firmly, hold the steering wheel with both hands, come to a controlled stop and steer the vehicle off the road. 

Remember that deer are most active at dawn and dusk and that if one deer is visible, others may be nearby. Always slow down when traveling in heavily populated deer areas.

Know if they are STOPPED while driving

Parents: When you sign up for the Michigan Sheriffs' Association's free STOPPED program, you will be notified if your teen driver is pulled over for any reason. 

Find out more