In recognition of National Teen Driver Safety Week, DRIVE SMART Virginia, with generous funding support from I-66 Express Mobility Partners, is launching a weeklong series of educational events aimed at reducing teen traffic fatalities and promoting safe driving habits among young drivers.
Traffic crashes remain one of the leading causes of death for individuals aged 15 to 20 in the United States. In Virginia alone, 38 teen drivers died in 2024 — an alarming 18.8% increase from the previous year. Even more concerning, 27 of those teen fatalities involved individuals who were not wearing seat belts. So far this year, 23 teen drivers have died in Virginia and 57 people have been killed in teen driver-involved crashes.
To address this growing concern, DRIVE SMART Virginia is partnering with I-66 Express Mobility Partners to bring ThinkFast Interactive assemblies to local high schools this October. These high-energy, game-show-style assemblies are designed to engage students with fast-paced questions and real-world scenarios that emphasize the importance of seat belt use, sober driving, and distraction-free habits behind the wheel.
“We are committed to empowering young drivers with the knowledge and tools they need to make safe choices,” said Kristin Pettway, Executive Director of DRIVE SMART Virginia. “With the support of I-66 Express Mobility Partners, we’re reaching students where it matters most — in their schools — with a message that could save lives.”
“We’re delighted to continue our partnership with DRIVE SMART Virginia and promote safe driving habits to our region’s young people,” said Nancy H. Smith, the director of corporate affairs for I-66 EMP. “One of our company’s mottoes is ‘Always Safe, Always Ready,’ and that’s exactly what the ThinkFast Interactive assemblies encourage young drivers to be: Always safe on the road, always ready for anything that might happen.”
The initiative underscores the critical need for continued education and awareness, especially as teen driver fatalities continue to rise. By combining data-driven messaging with interactive learning, the program aims to foster a culture of responsibility and safety among Virginia’s youngest drivers.
For more information about the Teen Driver Safety Week events or to learn how your school can participate in future programs, please visit drivesmartva.org.