The New Hampshire Teen Driver program develops, organizes and promotes a sustainable statewide approach to injury prevention with a focus on traffic safety for novice youth operators. The program envisions a New Hampshire where safe driving safe driving is supported through evidence-based strategies that address leading traffic-related and other injury issues, guided by statewide, regional, and national data.
The program is committed to advancing evidence-based practices in injury prevention and supporting communities, schools, and families in reducing teen crash risk. The Youth Operator Program Coordinator works through each school year to design and develop teen highway safety programming for New Hampshire high schools and middle schools. This work includes:
• Developing educational materials
• Providing recommendations for approaching specific traffic-safety topics
• Researching, planning and implementing school and community events
• Coordinating teen-focused safety initiatives and resources
These efforts ensure that schools have accessible, relevant, and data-informed tools to support young drivers.
Novice teen drivers face a significantly higher crash risk because they have limited driving and limited life experience to help them recognize and respond to hazards. Their ability to accurately assess risk is still developing. When factors such as distraction, impairment, and fatigue are added, their crash risk increases further - surpassing that of the average, older driver.
Vision: New Hampshire youth drivers confidently make safe, responsible choices every time they are in a motor vehicle.
Strategy: Develop a strong, youth-centered traffic safety program by using current best practices and up-to-date resources. Provide clear, engaging educational programs and materials that help reduce crashes and unsafe driving habits among New Hampshire’s teen drivers.
Mission: To strengthen safe driving for youth across New Hampshire by promoting proven, evidence-based strategies that prevent injuries and address the states most important traffic safety challenges.
Goals: Our goal is to help New Hampshire’s young drivers build the skills and confidence they need to stay safe on the road and keep crashes to a minimum.
