HARRISBURG, PA — On Tuesday, the Shapiro Administration brought together educators, transportation officials, and law enforcement to address one of Pennsylvania’s most persistent public safety challenges: teen driver safety. The annual Teen Driver Safety Forum, held at Northeastern High School in Manchester during National Teen Driver Safety Week, aimed to raise awareness among new drivers about the risks and responsibilities that come with being behind the wheel.
Representatives from PennDOT, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Department of Education, and the Insurance Department joined local advocates for a panel discussion with high school students across the state. The conversation focused on safe driving practices, the dangers of distraction, and the critical role of parents in shaping driving habits.
PennDOT Deputy Secretary for Driver and Vehicle Services Kara Templeton emphasized the collective responsibility of families and communities in developing safe driving behaviors. “Parents and teachers can help set a good example for teens by making safe driving choices,” she said.
Between 2020 and 2024, Pennsylvania recorded more than 78,000 vehicle crashes involving at least one driver aged 16 to 19, resulting in 479 deaths. Excessive speed, inexperience, and distraction were cited as major contributing factors in most incidents.
Captain Adam Reed of the Pennsylvania State Police noted that driver education begins long before a teen receives a permit. “We all can influence positive behaviors among teen drivers through our own actions by eliminating distractions and obeying all traffic laws, including seatbelt use,” he said.
Strengthening Pennsylvania’s Road Safety Framework
The event highlighted the state’s growing efforts to enhance roadway safety for new drivers. The Shapiro Administration continues to promote structured driving limits, such as passenger restrictions and nighttime curfews, alongside parent-teen driving contracts and hands-on supervision.
In addition, PennDOT and the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission recently launched the New Driver Work Zone Safety Program, an online training initiative that uses videos, infographics, and real-world scenarios to teach new drivers how to safely navigate construction zones—a leading hazard for inexperienced motorists.
Acting Education Secretary Dr. Carrie Rowe said the goal is to instill long-term safety awareness. “Driver education training programs are invaluable in teaching novice drivers the critical skills they need to safely navigate the roads,” she said.
Broader Impact on Pennsylvania Road Safety
The renewed focus on teen driver education has significant implications for Pennsylvania’s overall traffic safety strategy. Teen drivers represent a small percentage of licensed motorists but are involved in a disproportionate share of crashes statewide. By reducing accident rates among this age group, officials believe the ripple effects could include lower insurance premiums, fewer fatalities, and reduced congestion from collision-related delays.
Deputy Insurance Commissioner David Buono added that the benefits extend beyond safety. “As new drivers develop good driving habits, it is also necessary that they understand the importance of remaining insured and the role of auto insurance,” he said.
With teen crashes frequently linked to speed, inattention, and nighttime driving, experts say programs like the forum—and the engagement it fosters between students, parents, and state agencies—could play a vital role in reshaping driving culture across the Commonwealth.
As Pennsylvania continues to invest in education and enforcement initiatives, the ultimate goal remains clear: to turn today’s novice drivers into tomorrow’s responsible motorists and make the state’s roads safer for everyone.
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