This week is National Teen Driver Safety Week from October 21 to October 27. The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute for Teen Drivers offers link after link of excellent information and resources.  We hope you find the information useful to you as a driver education provider and for the parents of teen drivers.

Operation Lifesaver has seven fun videos about driving near trains, railroad signs and other train facts. The are labeled as Ryan's Brain Videos. The videos came out this year and are current. They would be an excellent for parents and student drivers. Click Here to watch 'Ryan's Brain Videos.

Airbag and Seat Belt Safety:

• Airbag Information
• What you should know about Airbag Safety
• Seat Belt Overview
• Risks of No Seat Belt Use
• Seat Belt Safety from SADD
• Seat Belt Use: Facts and Stats

Lessons for Safe Driving

• 7 Risky Behaviors and 7 Tips to Stay Safe
• 3 Types of Distractions
• 5 Ways to a Safer Teen Driver
• Driver Distraction
• Everyone's at Risk
• Share the Road and Save a Life

Roundabouts:

• DOTD Explains Roundabouts
• Roundabout General Information
• Step by Step Roundabout Instructions
• Understanding Traffic Rules for Roundabouts

Sharing the Road:

• Beginning Teen Drivers
• Seat Belt Safety
• Share the Road with People, Bikes and Motorcycles

Safety Resources for Railroads and Large Vehicles:

• 18-Wheeler Wisdom
• Look to Live' Information about Railroads
• Railroad Crossing Safety
• Respect the Rig
• Road Safety
• Tips for Bicyclists and Pedestrians
• Tips for Driving Safely around Trucks/Buses

Teen Driver Safety Resources:

• 'Creating the Right Learning Environment'
• Eight Danger Zones
• Everyone's at Risk
• Fatalities by State
• National Teen Driver Safety Week Info graphic
• Parents are the Key
• Parent/ Teen Contract
• Safe Car for Teenagers

Parents should model these safe behaviors for their teenagers:

• No cell phone use while driving – whether hands-free or hand-held – including at stoplights.
• Do not speed.
• Always wear a seat belt, as a driver and as a passenger.
• Know directions to the destination before turning on the car engine.
• Refrain from road rage.
• Do not drive while impaired (drugged, drunk, or drowsy).
• Do not apply makeup, eat, or fiddle with the radio, CD player or music apps while driving.
• Do not tailgate.
• Be a good passenger – show respect for the driver and do not distract.

Parents need to know that it’s never too late to change unsafe behaviors. It will be worth the effort. Teens need role models, especially for road safety.