Date
Thursday
May

May 1-31

National Youth Traffic Safety Month

Stay safe and drive smart this National Youth Traffic Safety Month - let's make the roads safer for everyone!

Yearly Date
May 1
Type
Month

Introduction

Buckle up and get ready to celebrate National Youth Traffic Safety Month on May 1! This important month-long observance was created to raise awareness about the importance of safe driving among young people. Did you know that motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for teenagers in the United States? That's why it's crucial to educate and empower our youth to make responsible decisions behind the wheel. So let's use this month as an opportunity to promote safe driving practices and reduce the number of accidents involving young drivers.

National Youth Traffic Safety Month Timeline

1970
Highway Safety Act
The Highway Safety Act is enacted by the federal government, kickstarting a new focus on improving road safety in the U.S.
1984
National Minimum Drinking Age Act
The National Minimum Drinking Age Act is passed, setting the legal drinking age at 21 to decrease alcohol-related accidents.
1991
Interstate Speed Limit Increase
Congress allows states to increase interstate speed limits to 65 mph, prompting discussions about impact on teen driver safety.
1996
Graduated Driver Licensing System
Florida becomes the first state to implement a Graduated Driver Licensing system to help teenagers gain experience before full licensure.
2007
National Youth Traffic Safety Month
National Organizations for Youth Safety (NOYS) organizes the first National Youth Traffic Safety Month to focus on young drivers.
2012
Texting & Driving Law
States begin implementing laws specifically against texting while driving to combat rising distracted driving incidents among teens.

How to Celebrate National Youth Traffic Safety Month

1

Host a safe driving workshop

Partner with your local police department or driving school to host a workshop on safe driving practices for youth. This can include demonstrations, interactive activities, and informational sessions.

2

Create a social media campaign

Get creative and use social media to spread awareness about youth traffic safety. You could create a hashtag, share informative graphics, or even host a social media contest with prizes.

3

Organize a mock car crash demonstration

Work with your school or community to organize a mock car crash demonstration to show the consequences of unsafe driving. This powerful visual can have a lasting impact on young drivers.

4

Partner with local businesses for discounts on safe driving classes

Encourage young drivers to take safe driving classes by partnering with local businesses to offer discounts or promotions. This can also help support small businesses in your community.

5

Host a car maintenance and safety workshop

Teach young drivers the importance of car maintenance and safety by hosting a workshop with demonstrations on how to check tire pressure, change a tire, and other basic car care skills.

Why National Youth Traffic Safety Month is Important

A

Encourages safe driving habits among young drivers

National Youth Traffic Safety Month brings awareness to the importance of practicing safe driving habits, such as wearing a seatbelt, avoiding distractions while driving, and obeying traffic laws. By highlighting these behaviors during the month of May, it helps instill responsible driving practices in young drivers.

B

Prevents accidents and fatalities

Car accidents are one of the leading causes of death among teenagers. National Youth Traffic Safety Month aims to lower this statistic by promoting safe driving habits and educating young drivers on the dangers of reckless driving. By doing so, it can help prevent accidents and save lives.

C

Provides resources for young drivers and their families

During National Youth Traffic Safety Month, various organizations offer resources for parents and teens to use when discussing safe driving practices. This includes informational materials, online tools and apps, and workshops or events dedicated to teen driving safety. These resources can be a helpful starting point for young drivers and their families to have important conversations about road safety.

National Youth Traffic Safety Month Dates

Year
Date
Day
2023
Apr 30
Sunday
2024
Apr 30
Tuesday
2025
Apr 30
Wednesday
2026
Apr 30
Thursday
2027
Apr 30
Friday