Traffic Crashes — The Leading Cause of Death for Minnesota Teens
Traffic crashes are the number-one killer of Minnesota teens — each year, more than 30 teens (ages 16–19) are killed on Minnesota roads.
Teens are at greatest risk on the road due to inexperience, risk-taking behind the wheel, speeding and distracted driving. Teens also have the lowest seat belt use rate of all age groups.
Point of Impact: Teen Driver Safety Parent Awareness Program
The Office of Traffic Safety has materials available for communities and driver’s education schools to implement a community-based class for parents and their soon-to-be teen drivers. The class will increase parent awareness of teen driving risks, Minnesota's teen driver laws and the important role parents play in developing a safer teen driver. The
Point of Impact video is a main component of the classroom program. To receive a DVD with the Point of Impact program materials, contact Gordy Pehrson, at
gordy.pehrson@state.mn.us.
New video Explains Minnesota's Teen Driving Laws
Produced by the National Safety Council for the Minnesota Safety Council's Teen Safe Driving Coalition, the GDL Made Simple video highlights Minnesota's Graduated Driver's License laws.
Parents' Role in Developing Safe Teen Drivers — Laws, FAQs and Tips
Learn more about what parents can do to keep teens safe on the road, such as:
Teen License Parent Withdrawal Form
The Teen License Parent Withdrawal Form is available for parents to cancel the driving privileges of their teen's driver's license (under age 18).
Teen Crashes Have Predictable and Preventable Patterns:
They are prone to making simple driving errors, often while speeding.
They are twice as likely to crash at night.
Crashes while driving to and from school, especially after school, and with other teens in the car is common.
Teen passengers increase distractions and promote risk-taking behaviors.