Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety announced today that the state is participating in National Teen Driver Safety Week, taking place October 19–25, 2025.

The campaign serves as a reminder for parents, guardians, and adult role models to have meaningful conversations with their teens about safe driving habits. Officials emphasized that while teens are gaining independence, parents remain the most influential figures in shaping responsible driving behavior.

“New teen drivers are still gaining experience every time they get behind the wheel,” said Attorney General Platkin. “It’s critical for parents especially to model safe driving behaviors themselves and have discussions with their teens about making safe choices behind the wheel.”

Michael J. Rizol, Jr., Director of the Division of Highway Traffic Safety, noted the importance of the initiative. “Motor vehicle crashes continue to be a leading cause of death for young people, and their time behind the wheel is particularly dangerous,” he said. “Parents and other adults play a critical role in teaching teen drivers safe driving habits.”

According to federal data, 2,611 people nationwide lost their lives in 2023 in crashes involving teen drivers. While New Jersey’s Graduated Driver’s License law has helped keep the state’s teen driver fatality rate among the lowest in the nation, the danger remains real. Over the past decade, 650 people have died in crashes involving teen drivers across New Jersey — including 287 teen drivers and 67 teen passengers.

National Teen Driver Safety Week is coordinated with the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which provides parents and guardians with tools to guide conversations about high-risk behaviors such as distracted driving, speeding, alcohol or drug use, and seat belt neglect.

Studies show that teens whose parents set clear driving rules and model good driving behavior are less likely to engage in risky actions and are involved in fewer crashes.

The Division of Highway Traffic Safety continues its mission to prevent crashes, reduce fatalities, and improve roadway safety through education, enforcement, engineering, and emergency response initiatives in collaboration with local, county, and state partners.