By: Florida Virtual School 

At FLVS, we’re proud to support National Teen Driver Safety Week (Oct. 19-25) with two powerful events designed to inspire and inform. Driving is a major milestone for teens, and with it comes serious responsibility. That's why we're inviting students to take part in:

• A live webinar featuring expert tips and real-life stories to help teens stay safe behind the wheel

• A community 5K to promote awareness, healthy habits, and safe driving choices

Together, these events offer students a chance to learn, connect, and take action. Let’s make the road safer, one step, one story, one driver at a time.

Why It Matters

Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death for teens in the United States. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), teen drivers are more likely to be involved in fatal crashes due to inexperience, distractions, and risky behaviors. But with education, support, and strong family involvement, we can change that.

Join Us

Lace-Up to Buckle-Up 5K
Oct. 18, 2025, Belle Isle, Florida

Sponsored by FLVS, the event aims to raise seatbelt safety awareness. All proceeds support efforts to save lives and minimize injuries by educating teens about the dangers of not wearing a seatbelt. Details and registration info are on our website.

"This Could Be You” Webinar

Oct. 20, 7-8 p.m., Zoom

Join us for a powerful virtual event featuring Karlie Tomica, who shares her real-life story as a convicted drunk driver. Once a student with big dreams, Karlie thought, “It won’t happen to me.”  Now, she’s helping others understand how one moment can alter a future forever. Students who complete the short homework assignment will receive three community service hours. Details and registration info are on our website.

How Families Can Help

Parents and caregivers play a vital role in shaping teen driving habits. Here’s how you can support the initiative:

• Talk to your teen about the dangers of speeding, texting while driving, and peer pressure.

• Set clear expectations and model safe driving yourself.

• Encourage your teen to join the FLVS Teen Driver Safety Club.

• Encourage your teen to take behind-the-wheel driving lessons. 

 Free Resources

These free resources can help families start the conversation on responsible driving habits:

• NHTSA Teen Driving: Provides information on state licensing requirements, safety problems for novice drivers, and topics like distracted driving and seat belt use. 

• NHTSA’s Parent-Teen Driving Agreement

• National Safety Council's DriveitHOME: Offers a free app to log practice hours, get weekly lesson ideas, and access a "New Driver Deal" to create a shared agreement with your teen. 

• Florida Teen Safe Driving Coalition: Provides free educational materials that can be downloaded or mailed, including a supervised driving guide and resources for parents. 

• Teen Driver Source: From the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, this site provides research-based information and tools to help prevent teen crashes. 

FLVS Resources

• Driver Education Course: Designed for students ages 14.5 to 17, the course is also state-approved and covers essential safety skills, traffic laws, and responsible decision-making behind the wheel. Students who complete the course earn 0.5 high school elective credit.

• Behind-the-Wheel Training: Available for free or low cost to students who complete the FLVS Driver Education course and reside in partnering counties (Brevard, Orange, Polk, and Seminole counties) through the Florida Safety Council.

By participating in this year’s events and exploring the resources available, families can take meaningful steps toward safer roads and more confident teen drivers.