The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency is asking parents to take an active role in teaching their teenagers to drive safely during National Teen Driver Safety Week, which runs October 18-24.
ALEA joined the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in marking the week. The agency said traffic crashes remain a leading cause of death among teenagers.
Why teens face higher risk
ALEA said teen drivers face a higher risk of fatal crashes because they have little experience, are still developing their driving skills and are more likely to take risks such as speeding and driving while distracted. The agency encouraged parents and guardians to help prepare teens before they get behind the wheel.
ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor said, “As a father, I understand both the excitement and concern that comes with watching your children gain their independence behind the wheel. As parents, we have a responsibility to prepare them for that independence by teaching safe driving habits, setting clear expectations and, most importantly, leading by example.”
Taylor said the decisions teenagers make on the road can have lifelong consequences, and the lessons parents teach now could save their lives.
The numbers
NHTSA data shows 752 teen drivers died in traffic crashes nationwide in 2024. A total of 2,320 teen drivers were involved in fatal crashes that year.
In Alabama, the Center for Advanced Public Safety at the University of Alabama provided ALEA with state figures. There were 23,626 crashes involving teenagers in 2025, and 96 of them were fatal.
Through October 2026, Alabama has recorded 18,161 crashes involving teenagers, including 71 fatal crashes. The totals count every crash that involved a teenager, whether the teen or someone else died.
Colonel Jeremy Burkett, director of ALEA’s Department of Public Safety, said, “One of the most difficult responsibilities an ALEA Trooper faces, is notifying a family that their loved one has been killed in a traffic crash. There are few things more heartbreaking than having to tell a mother or father that their child will never return home. These are tragedies that no family should have to experience, especially when they can be prevented. We urge young drivers to understand that every decision behind the wheel matters. Slow down, put the phone away, and make responsible choices because there is nothing more important than making it home safely.”
Safety tips for teen drivers
- Buckle up. ALEA said more than half of passenger vehicle occupants killed in crashes in recent years were not wearing seat belts.
- No drinking or drugs. Drinking alcohol under 21 is illegal, and ALEA called driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs unacceptable at any age. In 2024, 22% of teen drivers involved in fatal crashes had been drinking.
- No distractions. ALEA said drivers should avoid texting, phone use, applying makeup and similar activities. About 10% of teen drivers involved in fatal crashes were distracted.
- No speeding. Speeding was a factor in 33% of passenger vehicle teen drivers involved in fatal crashes in 2024.
- Limit extra passengers. Additional passengers can distract inexperienced drivers and raise the risk of a crash.
- Avoid drowsy driving. Tired driving can increase the risk of a crash that causes serious injuries or deaths.
Graduated license rules
ALEA encouraged Alabamians to learn the state’s Graduated Driver License laws. The agency also urged parents to set clear ground rules, keep communication open and stay involved in how their teenagers drive.
The state crash statistics came from the Center for Advanced Public Safety at the University of Alabama. NHTSA supplied the national figures.