Teen Drivers - Seat Belt Use 

A Comprehensive Approach to Teen Driver Safety

Seat Belt Use - Teens buckle up far less frequently than adults do. Despite efforts aimed at increasing belt use among teens, observed seat belt use among teens and young adults (16 to 24 years old) stood at 80 percent in 2008 – the lowest of any age group. In fact, in 2009 the majority (56%) of young people 16 to 20 years old involved in fatal crashes were unbuckled.

This section contains marketing materials and sample earned media tools that have been tested in teen seat belt demonstration projects. You can customize for local use to meet specific objectives, while simultaneously joining with other States, communities, and organizations across the country. We’ve included messaging and sample templates that can serve as the foundation of your teen seat belt initiatives. Please select, tailor, and distribute this material in a way that best fits your needs.

Earned Media Materials

NHTSA has prepared earned media messaging and templates for our safety partners and advocates use when planning their [teen seat belt use] safety campaigns.

Go to www.trafficsafetymarketing.gov for more information and campaign materials.

Creative Materials

NHTSA’s bold advertising messages are not intended to speak to responsible, law-abiding parents who are already doing the right thing. NHTSA’s messages are targeted to those parents who, for some reason, aren't worried about their teenagers driving or riding in vehicles unbuckled.

Go to www.trafficsafetymarketing.gov for campaign posters, TV/radio ads, and other information and campaign materials.