National Teen Driver Safety Week runs Oct. 18-24, 2026, and traffic safety officials are urging parents to talk with their teens about the habits that prevent crashes. The Law Offices of Parente & Norem, P.C. is encouraging Illinois families to use this week to review the rules of the road, set clear expectations and know what to do if the unthinkable happens.

Motor vehicle crashes remain a leading cause of death for U.S. teens, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Most of those crashes are preventable, and parents have more influence over their teen's driving than they may think.

What is National Teen Driver Safety Week?

National Teen Driver Safety Week is an annual NHTSA campaign held the third week of October. This year it runs Oct. 18-24. The campaign encourages parents and guardians to have direct conversations with teens about the biggest risks behind the wheel: seat belts, speeding, impaired driving, phones and passengers.

Schools, police departments and safety groups across the country distribute materials during the week. But the most effective conversation still happens at home.

How common are teen car accidents?

Teen drivers crash more often than any other age group, and the consequences reach far beyond the driver's seat. Recent national data show:

• 2,611 people were killed in 2023 in crashes involving a teen driver ages 15 to 18. Of those, 822 were the teen drivers themselves. (NHTSA)
• 604 passengers of teen drivers died in 2023, and 377 of them, or 62%, were other teens. (NHTSA)
• 87,074 teen drivers ages 15 to 18 were injured in traffic crashes in 2023. (NHTSA)
• Drivers ages 16 to 19 have a fatal crash rate almost three times that of drivers 20 and older, per mile driven. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
• About half of teen drivers killed in 2023 were not wearing a seat belt. (NHTSA)
• A 16- or 17-year-old driver carrying one passenger has double the risk of dying in a crash compared with driving alone. With an adult age 35 to 64 in the car, that risk is cut in half. (National Safety Council)

There is good news in Illinois. Teen crash deaths fell from 155 in 2007 to 41 in 2019 after the state strengthened its graduated driver licensing law in 2008, according to the Illinois Department of Transportation. That progress shows rules and parental involvement work.

What can parents do to keep teen drivers safe?

Parents set the tone long before a teen gets a license. These steps can lower your teen's risk:

1. Know Illinois' graduated driver license rules. Under Illinois' Graduated Driver Licensing program, new drivers under 18 may carry only one passenger under age 20 who is not a family member during their first 12 months of licensing or until they turn 18. Nighttime driving limits also apply to drivers under 18. Enforce these rules at home, even when it's inconvenient.
2. Make the phone off-limits. Illinois law bars drivers under 19 from using a cellphone while driving, including hands-free devices, except in an emergency. Have teens silence notifications or use their phone's driving mode before they start the car.
3. Limit passengers. Friends in the car are one of the biggest distractions for new drivers. Keep passengers to a minimum, especially at night.
4. Talk about speed. Speeding is a factor in a significant share of fatal teen crashes. Remind teens that arriving late is always better than not arriving at all.
5. Buckle up, every trip. Make seat belts a non-negotiable rule for the driver and every passenger, in every seat.
6. Set zero tolerance for alcohol and drugs. Illinois enforces a zero-tolerance policy for drivers under 21. Make sure your teen knows they can always call you for a ride, no questions asked.
7. Keep practicing together. Illinois requires 50 hours of supervised practice, including 10 at night, before a teen can get a license. Keep riding along afterward, especially in rain, snow and heavy Chicago-area traffic.
8. Put it in writing. A parent-teen driving agreement, such as the free versions offered by the CDC and the National Safety Council, spells out rules, curfews and consequences.
9. Lead by example. Teens copy what they see. Put your own phone away, obey speed limits and buckle up.

What should you do if your teen is in a car accident?

A phone call about a crash is every parent's fear. Knowing the right steps ahead of time can protect your teen's health and their legal rights. Review these steps with your teen now, before they need them:

1. Check for injuries and call 911. Safety comes first. Illinois law requires drivers involved in a crash with injuries to stop, remain at the scene and provide aid and information.
2. Report the crash to the police. A police report creates an official record of what happened. Illinois also requires crashes involving injury or significant property damage to be reported.
3. Stick to the facts. Teach your teen to stay calm, be polite and avoid apologizing or guessing about who was at fault. Statements made at the scene can be used later by insurance companies.
4. Gather information. Collect the other driver's name, contact details, license plate and insurance information. Take photos of vehicles, the scene, road conditions and any visible injuries. Get names and phone numbers of witnesses.
5. Get a medical evaluation. Concussions, whiplash and internal injuries may not show symptoms right away. A prompt exam protects your teen's health and documents their injuries.
6. Be careful with insurance companies. Notify your own insurer, but avoid giving a recorded statement to the other driver's insurance company before talking with an attorney.
7. Keep records. Save medical bills, the police report number, repair estimates and notes on missed school, sports or work.
8. Stay off social media. Ask your teen not to post about the crash, their injuries or their activities while the claim is pending.
9. Talk to a personal injury attorney. An experienced lawyer can explain your family's options before you sign anything.

How can Parente & Norem help after a teen car accident?

When your child is hurt, your focus belongs on their recovery, not on insurance paperwork. The attorneys at The Law Offices of Parente & Norem, P.C. represent families throughout the Chicago area in car accident cases involving teen drivers and passengers. The firm can:

• Investigate the crash, including police reports, photos, witness statements and vehicle data
• Identify every source of insurance coverage, including uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage
• Handle communications with insurance companies so your family doesn't have to
• Document your teen's injuries and future medical needs
• Guide the court approval process required for many minor settlements
• Pursue full compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering and other losses

If your teen was injured in a car accident, contact Parente & Norem for a free consultation at (312) 641-5926 or fill out a form here on our website.