Young Driver Safety

Traffic crashes are the leading cause of death for U.S. teens ages 16-19.  Per miles driven, teen drivers are nearly three times more likely than drivers aged 20 and older to be killed in a crash, mostly due to lack of driving experience and tendencies to take greater risks. Graduated driver licensing (GDL) programs, driving laws, and vehicle safety technology are some ways to combat teen crashes. The Maine Bureau of Highway Safety advocates for teen driver safety by promoting and supporting programs that educate young drivers and help them gain valuable driving experience.

93 teen drivers have been killed on Maine roadways in the past 10 years
51 percent of teens killed in Maine were speeding
40 percent of teen drivers killed were not wearing seatbelts 

Take 5 Before You Drive
Take the pledge to "Take 5" before getting into a vehicle.

  • Perform safety activities (buckle seat belt, allow extra time, send those last-minute texts, make sure you have all belongings, etc.) before getting in the car
  • Use the optional log sheet to track activities
  • Log activities 60 to 70 times to form better habits and be safer

Drivers Education Training Summit
In partnership with AAA and the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles, the Maine Bureau of Highway Safety is increasing access to developmental training for driver education instructors. The Drivers Education Training Summit leverages national and state safety stakeholders that include various state agencies, law enforcement, AAA and the Maine Driver Education Associations. The summit will address Maine's safety concerns in a coordinated way and maximize effectiveness and efficiency in achieving the improvements in many of the state’s strategic highway safety plan target areas. This training is available to all Driver Educators statewide and includes all affected communities.

The 2026 Drivers Education Training Summit will be held at the Hilton Garden Inn Riverwatch in Auburn on Thursday, September 10th. More details and registration information to follow.

Alliance Highway Safety, our Partner in Highway Safety

Choices Matter - life-changing program for high school students using personal stories and interactive materials

Rule the Road Maine - provides teen drivers with driving knowledge and skills beyond the standard driving education programs

Traffic Safety Education – brings highway safety experts to the classroom or community event, incorporating interactive safety equipment such as impaired and distracted driving simulators, impairment goggles, seatbelt convincer and rollover simulator. If you would like to book these services for your event, please e-mail info@alliancehighwaysafety.com.

Upcoming Events

Event

Location

Date & Time

Information
Customer Appreciation Day Community Safety Event

Cherryfield

 Saturday, June 27th  More details to come
AAA Driver Education Training Summit Auburn Thursday, September 10th More details to come
Knowing the Law:
Common Causes of Teen Crashes
  • Distracted Driving
  • Texting and Driving
  • Speeding
  • Impaired Driving
  • Inexperience
  • Not using their Seat Belt
  • Nighttime Driving
  • Peer Passengers
Additional Resources

National Highway Safety Traffic Administration – Teen Drivers
Crash Science in the Classroom (lesson plans free to educator)
Traffic Safety Marketing – Teen Driver Safety