Teen driver safety in St. Lawrence County: rules and tips for families

Teen Driver Safety Week runs Oct. 18-24, 2026. The New York Department of Motor Vehicles urges teens and parents in St. Lawrence County and across the North Country to slow down, wear seat belts, put away phones and avoid impaired driving.

What are the most important safety steps for teen drivers?

The DMV recommends that everyone in a vehicle wear a seat belt on every trip, regardless of distance. Drivers should obey posted speed limits, avoid driving after consuming alcohol, cannabis or illegal drugs, and never misuse prescription medication before driving.

Failure to yield, following too closely and speeding are the leading contributors to crashes in New York, according to the DMV. The agency also says drivers should set playlists before leaving, put phones away or use a “Do Not Disturb” feature.

How dangerous is phone distraction?

Five seconds of distraction at 55 mph is equivalent to driving the length of a football field with your eyes closed, the DMV says. Reading or sending a text takes attention away from the road, even when the driver only looks down briefly.

The safest approach is to finish navigation and music settings before leaving, then keep the phone out of reach while driving.

What do New York crash statistics show about young drivers?

Young drivers remain overrepresented in crashes even though New York was named the safest state for teen drivers for the third consecutive year in a WalletHub ranking. State data cited by the DMV show that drivers ages 16 to 20 accounted for 7% of drivers in crashes while representing 4% of licensed drivers.

In 2024, young drivers had the highest proportion of fatal crashes involving speeding. Nearly 40% of male drivers and 20% of female drivers ages 15 to 20 who were involved in fatal crashes were speeding.

Nationally, 2,148 young drivers died in traffic crashes in 2023, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The National Safety Council says teens take about 10% of their trips between 9 p.m. and midnight but account for 19% of their fatal crashes during that period. About 1% of teen trips occur between midnight and 6 a.m., while nearly 15% of fatal crashes occur then.

What should St. Lawrence County families keep in mind?

The DMV’s fall reminder applies to teens driving to school, sports, other activities and homecoming events in St. Lawrence County and elsewhere in the North Country. Families can use the week as an opportunity to review speed, passenger, phone and impaired-driving expectations before a teen drives alone.

New York’s Graduated Driver License rules limit night driving and passengers for drivers under 18. Because licensing requirements can change, families should check the current rules on the state DMV website before a teen begins driving independently.

How does a teen begin the licensing process in New York?

A teen can apply for a learner permit at age 16. A supervising driver must be at least 21 and hold a valid license for the vehicle being driven.

Most applicants must complete an approved five-hour pre-licensing course before taking the road test. The DMV’s learner permit information and New York driver’s manual provide current requirements and restrictions.

Where to get help or more information

Parents and teens can review the DMV’s official press releases, safety guidance and current licensing rules at dmv.ny.gov. The DMV’s learner permit page includes information about permits and finding a DMV office.

National safety information is available from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the National Safety Council.

Common questions

When is Teen Driver Safety Week in 2026?

Teen Driver Safety Week is Oct. 18-24, 2026. The observance focuses on safer driving habits for teens and the adults who help supervise them.

How can a teen driver avoid distracted driving?

Set music and navigation before leaving, put the phone away and consider turning on Do Not Disturb. The DMV says five seconds of distraction at 55 mph equals traveling the length of a football field with your eyes closed.

When can a New York teen get a learner permit?

A teen can apply for a New York learner permit at age 16. The applicant must follow the state’s supervision and testing requirements.

What does a St. Lawrence County parent need to know about teen driving?

Parents should review seat-belt use, speed, phone use, impaired driving and the state’s Graduated Driver License restrictions with their teens. The DMV’s fall guidance is especially relevant to school, sports and homecoming trips in the North Country.

Who can supervise a New York learner permit driver?

The supervising driver must be at least 21 and hold a valid license for the vehicle being driven. This requirement applies to permit holders of all ages.

Are there limits on nighttime driving for North Country teens?

Yes. New York’s Graduated Driver License rules limit nighttime driving and passengers for drivers under 18. Families should check the current DMV rules because licensing requirements can change.

What are the leading causes of crashes involving young drivers in New York?

The DMV identifies failure to yield, following too closely and speeding as the leading contributors to New York crashes. The agency also warns against phone distraction and impaired driving.