Maryland Highlights Teen Driver Safety Week October 18 - October 24
GLEN BURNIE, MD – During Teen Driver Safety Week, October 18-24, the Moore-Miller Administration and the Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration’s Highway Safety Office are reminding young drivers and their families that developing safe driving habits takes education, practice and continued involvement from parents and caregivers.
Recent Maryland crash trends involving young drivers are concerning, particularly serious crashes involving young drivers traveling with passengers. From 2021 to 2025, an average of 24 young drivers ages 15–20 died in crashes on Maryland roadways each year. Data shows that so far this year, 27 young drivers have lost their lives, representing three more fatalities than the five-year average (2021-2025).
“Driving is a skill that you improve over time, and learning continues after someone earns their license, said Motor Vehicle Administrator Chrissy Nizer, who also serves as Governor Wes Moore’s Highway Safety Representative. “Teen drivers must spend significant time behind the wheel to develop the judgment and habits of a safe and experienced driver. Parents and caregivers play a critical role in helping young drivers understand that passengers can create dangerous distractions behind the wheel. By setting clear expectations and reinforcing safe driving behaviors, they can help their teens recognize the importance of limiting distractions and keeping their focus on the road when driving with friends.”
The focus on young driver safety is part of the Maryland Department of Transportation’s continued commitment to being Serious About Safety and reducing preventable deaths and serious injuries on Maryland roadways. Teen driver safety week also comes as the Motor Vehicle Administration rolls out its first update to the Maryland Rookie Driver curriculum since 2017. The updated curriculum provides new drivers with clearer, more engaging and up-to-date safety information, including updates on technology in modern vehicles, work zone safety and other critical roadway safety topics. Maryland’s graduated licensing system is designed to allow new drivers to gain experience over time while limiting some of the situations that present the greatest risk.
Teen Driver Safety Week is also another opportunity for the MVA’s Highway Safety Office to engage with teenagers in Maryland high schools, Boys & Girls Clubs and through non-profit partners serving young people. This year, the office will reach hundreds of teens statewide with hands-on activities, rollover simulator demonstrations and discussion-based learning to help them explore real-world driving situations and safe choices.
Parents and caregivers are encouraged to continue to practice driving with their teen driver after they are licensed and as they gain experience. Parents should also talk regularly with teens about safe driving behaviors:
Limit Passengers - Maryland provisional license holders under age 18 may not drive with passengers under age 18 during the first 151 days unless the passengers are immediate family members or a qualified supervising driver is in the vehicle. Even after that restriction ends, parents should talk with their teen driver about how passengers can divert their attention from driving. Research has shown crash risk increases for teen drivers when other young passengers are in the vehicle.
Put the Phone Away - Cell phone use while driving can be deadly. Maryland provisional license holders under age 18 are prohibited from using a wireless communication device while driving, including hands-free devices, except to make an emergency 911 call. Phones should be put away before the vehicle starts moving so the driver’s attention stays on the road.
Buckle Up – Every Seat, Every Ride. Wearing a seat belt is one of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce the risk of serious injury or death in a crash. Teen drivers should make sure everyone in the vehicle is properly restrained before putting the vehicle in gear, whether they are sitting in the front seat or the back.
Slow Down - Speed reduces the amount of time a driver has to recognize and respond to a hazard and increases the severity of a crash. For new drivers who are still developing the skills necessary to judge speed, distance and changing roadway conditions, following posted speed limits and adjusting speed for conditions is especially important.
Never Drive Impaired - Alcohol, cannabis and other substances can affect judgment, coordination and reaction time. Teens should never drive after consuming any impairing substance or get into a vehicle with a driver who has. Prescription and over-the-counter medications can also affect a person’s ability to drive safely.
Prioritize Rest - Drowsiness can affect reaction time, awareness and decision-making. Parents should talk with teens about recognizing fatigue and avoiding driving when they are too tired to operate a vehicle safety.
The updated Maryland Rookie Driver curriculum and additional information for new drivers and their families are available at MVA.Maryland.gov.
Learn more about the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration’s Highway Safety Office and its efforts to eliminate deaths and serious injuries on Maryland roadways at ZeroDeathsMD.gov and follow @ZeroDeathsMD on Facebook, Instagram and X.
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