Sheridan Police Encourage Safe Habits During National Teen Driving Safety Week

According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, young drivers are nearly four times more likely to be involved in fatal traffic crashes than older drivers. In 2022, there were more than 2,500 fatalities involving teen drivers in the United States. That represents an average of 11.57 fatalities for every 100,000 American teenagers.

The Sheridan Police Department is urging parents to observe National Teen Driving Safety Week, Oct. 19–25, and take time to speak with their young drivers about the risks of the road. Chief Travis Koltiska said teens who are just beginning to drive should focus on learning safe practices and developing them into lifelong habits.

Chief T. Koltiska

A report from Consumer Affairs ranks Wyoming as the second-worst state overall for teen drivers. The state leads the nation in total fatalities involving teen drivers, with almost 34 deaths per 100,000 teens, nearly triple the national average. Wyoming also ranks first in the nation for fatalities involving teens speeding, with more than 23 fatalities per 100,000 teens. That figure is more than five times higher than the national average. Montana ranks first overall for teen driver risk.

The report also revealed some encouraging data. Wyoming was among more than a dozen states that recorded zero fatalities involving teens driving under the influence in 2022, despite ranking third-worst in the country for impaired driving overall.

The Sheridan Police Department reminds all drivers that safety begins with awareness, preparation, and responsible habits behind the wheel.