As part of Teen Driver Safety Week, the Minnesota State Patrol is giving teens a firsthand look at the risks of distracted and impaired driving with new, hands-on simulators. The goal is to help young drivers build safe habits as they get behind the wheel on their own.

Simulators provide interactive lessons 

The State Patrol has two high-tech driving simulators that give teens the chance to experience 17 different lessons, including distracted driving, impaired driving and “what if” scenarios that help them understand the rules of the road. Each simulation lasts about two to five minutes and ends immediately if the teen crashes, emphasizing the consequences of unsafe choices.

The new simulators are used at recruiting events and community outreach programs and are particularly popular when brought to schools. Teens are drawn to the interactive lessons that feel like a video game.

 

Understanding the risks

Teen drivers face disproportionate risks on Minnesota roads. In 2023, drivers ages 15-19 represented just 6 percent of all licensed drivers in the state, but were involved in 11 percent of all reported crashes. Trooper Chris Caldwell, whose daughter Khiarra, 17, just got her license, says Teen Driver Safety Week is about helping new drivers build skills and make safe choices for life.

“Crashes are the leading cause of death for teens in Minnesota and across the U.S., and nearly all of those crashes are preventable,” Caldwell said. “New drivers don’t yet have the skills experienced drivers develop over time, so extra guidance and practice matter.”

These are the biggest risks for teen drivers:

• Distractions: Phones, passengers or music. Even a few seconds of inattention can be deadly.
• Speed: Teens often underestimate how speed impacts stopping distance and control. Slowing down saves lives.
• Seat belts: Buckling up is the simplest way to stay safe in a crash.
• Impairment: Alcohol, cannabis or other substances are always dangerous behind the wheel. Minnesota law prohibits anyone under 21 from driving after consuming any alcohol.
• Passengers: Having multiple teen passengers significantly increases the risk of a crash. Minnesota law limits new drivers to one passenger under 20 for the first six months and no more than three for the second six months unless a parent or guardian is present. Immediate family members under 20 are exempt.

What parents should know

Parents play a crucial role in teaching safe driving habits. Teens often mirror what they see, so parents who text, speed or skip seat belts may inadvertently encourage risky behavior. 

• Have open conversations about expectations and consequences before teens drive alone.
• Ride along with your teen, even after they earn their license. Supervised miles still matter.
• Know Minnesota traffic laws, especially those affecting teen drivers.

Starting safe habits early

Although fatalities are down compared to last year, serious crashes linked to distraction and inexperience still happen far too often. Every week, troopers see how a momentary distraction, a missed stop sign or too many passengers can turn into tragedy in seconds.

The simulators provide a safe way to learn, allowing teens to experience the consequences of poor decisions without real-world risk. By combining hands-on lessons with real-life statistics, the Minnesota State Patrol aims to make young drivers more prepared as they hit the road.

Watch KARE 11's story on the State Patrol's new driving simulators: