Idaho recognizes National Teen Driver Safety Week, Oct. 18–24

BOISE - The Idaho Transportation Department's Office of Highway Safety is joining communities statewide to recognize National Teen Driver Safety Week, October 18-24, 2026. The week encourages families to talk with their teens about safe driving habits and reinforces the role adults play in shaping responsible drivers.

Burley, Idaho native Kennedy Bingham lost her leg after surviving a distracted driving crash as a teen. She is featured in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Teen Driver Safety campaign this month. Bingham was not wearing her seat belt in the crash and was ejected into a power line where she hung by her broken leg for nearly an hour. She now shares her story with audiences across the country. "Buckling up takes two seconds, and it can change everything," Bingham said. "I know how quickly a life can change on the road, and my hope is that every teen makes the choice to buckle up and stay focused every time they drive." You can learn more about Bingham's story in the video here.

Bingham's father stated in the video that he regrets not being a better example for his daughter by wearing a seat belt when he drove.

In 2025, 32 people were killed in young driver crashes, and 197 were seriously injured. More than one in five crashes in Idaho involved a 15- to 19-year-old driver, and teen drivers are 2.6 times more likely to crash.

"Driving a car is the riskiest thing most teens will do on a daily basis," said Josephine Middleton, Office of Highway Safety Manager. "Parents and caregivers are the first driving instructors, whether they realize it or not. Teens pay attention to how we drive long before they get a license. If we want them to avoid distractions, slow down, and wear a seat belt, we have to show them what that looks like."

OHS encourages families, schools, and youth organizations to focus on four core safety reminders:

• Buckle up. Seat belts save lives. Every trip, every time.
• Drive focused and engaged. Keep phones and other distractions out of reach.
• Drive sober. Alcohol and drugs impair judgment and reaction time.
• Practice patience. Confidence grows with experience, mentorship, and calm decision-making.

"Getting your driver's license is a big deal. It's exciting, but it also comes with a lot of responsibility," said OHS Teen Traffic Safety Program Coordinator Nora Coria. "We want young drivers to take the time to build good habits, learn from their experiences, and understand that the choices they make behind the wheel matter. Safe driving isn't something you learn overnight-it's something you practice every time you get in the car."

OHS supports teen driver safety through several statewide initiatives:

• Backseat Driver's Manual - A free activity book created with Idaho students to spark family conversations about safe driving; order by emailing [email protected].
• SHIFT Idaho - A statewide initiative offering tools, materials, and community involvement opportunities focused on teen driver safety; visit SHIFT Idaho.
• Parent-Teen Driving Contracts - Helps families set clear expectations and responsibilities behind the wheel; available at new-driver-deal.pdf
• Alive at 25 - A free defensive driving course that teaches young drivers how to make safe, responsible decisions. Find a course near you: Alive at 25 Driving Education: Upcoming Courses in Idaho
• Do the Math. Save a Life - Algebra lesson plans for 9^th grade using Idaho crash data in the classroom. Access the free lessons on our website.
• Driver Education Partnerships - In collaboration with the Idaho Department of Education and local driving schools, OHS supports quality driver education statewide.

Learn more about OHS's programs and resources at SHIFT Idaho.

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