National Safety Council Launches 20th Teen Driver Safety Week with GM-Backed Resources
Event summary
- National Safety Council (NSC) kicks off the 20th annual Teen Driver Safety Week (Oct. 18-24, 2026) with free resources for parents and teens through the DriveitHOME program.
- In 2024, 5,247 people died in crashes involving drivers aged 15-20, a 6.5% decrease from the prior year.
- DriveitHOME offers virtual training, a parent-teen agreement tool, a mobile app, and community resources in English and Spanish.
- NSC survey in 2025 found 82% of parents feel confident teaching safe driving, but only 55% consider themselves knowledgeable about best practices.
The big picture
The NSC's initiative comes as motor vehicle crashes remain the leading cause of preventable death for teens, highlighting the ongoing need for targeted safety interventions. The program's 20th anniversary underscores its enduring role in shaping teen driver safety policies and practices, with potential implications for insurance costs and automotive safety regulations. The partnership with General Motors suggests growing corporate interest in supporting public safety initiatives as part of broader social responsibility strategies.
What we're watching
- Program Effectiveness
- Whether the DriveitHOME resources will demonstrate measurable reductions in teen driver fatalities beyond the 6.5% annual decline.
- Parental Engagement
- How the gap between parental confidence (82%) and knowledge (55%) impacts the program's long-term success.
- Corporate Partnerships
- The role of General Motors' involvement in expanding the program's reach and funding sustainability.