North Carolina teen safe driving program opens applications for third year

RALEIGH, NC (WWAY) — A North Carolina transportation safety group is recruiting teenagers for the third year of a program aimed at promoting safer driving habits among young drivers.

The North Carolina Alliance for Safe Transportation, or NCAST, says its Teen Ambassador program is open to students ages 15 to 19. Participants take part in online training and brainstorming sessions and may help promote messages about seat belt use, distracted driving, speeding and other traffic safety issues.

The program is offering a $150 stipend to ambassadors who attend or help plan at least one in-person event. Participants who meet certain requirements may also qualify for a one-time scholarship ranging from $500 to $1,000.

NCAST says the program has had more than 100 participants in past years, but this year’s group will be smaller and include more frequent training and engagement.

The effort comes as traffic deaths remain a concern in North Carolina. According to the latest crash data cited by NCAST from the North Carolina Department of Transportation, about 1,700 people die on the state’s roads each year and more than 110,000 are injured.

NCAST also cited state data showing that more than 40% of people who died in crashes were not wearing seat belts.

The group says the program is designed to encourage teenagers to speak with their peers about safe driving habits.

Motor vehicle crashes are also a leading cause of death among teenagers, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, with drivers ages 16 to 19 facing a higher crash risk than any other age group.

Applications are open for the 2026-27 Teen Ambassador program.