(Washington, DC) – Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser announced that driver education courses will be piloted at four high schools across the District during the 2025-2026 school year. Beginning Monday, September 22, students at Coolidge High School, Eastern High School, Jackson Reed High School, and Phelps High School will have the opportunity to engage in a classroom-based curriculum facilitated by the Highway Safety Office, Impact Teen Drivers, and Dexterity Driving School.

“In DC, we have a unique transportation environment, and navigating our multi-modal city safely requires awareness and respect for everyone using our streets,” said Mayor Bowser. “This program will give our young people the skills to become confident, responsible drivers who keep themselves and their community members safe.”

A total of 120 students, 30 from each school, will participate in the 30-hour course, which will focus on the rules of the road and how to navigate DC’s multi-modal environment. Students were selected in consultation with school counselors, with preference given to those currently enrolled in career and technical education (CTE) courses, where driving knowledge may support future career paths. In addition to standard driving instruction, students will learn how to safely share the road with pedestrians, cyclists, buses, and other modes of transportation.

As part of the United We Go campaign, the Highway Safety Office has deployed yard signs across the District reminding both new and experienced drivers to slow down, buckle up, yield to pedestrians, and never drive distracted. Residents can encourage road safety by picking up a yard sign during normal business hours at DDOT HQ (250 M Street SE) and displaying it in their community.

New data shows that traffic fatalities in Washington, DC are at a 12-year low. As of August 25, 2025, traffic fatalities have decreased 57% compared to the same time in 2024 and are at the lowest level since 2013. Serious injuries are also down 8% year to date, continuing a trend that began in 2021. 

“Safety is at the core of everything we do at DDOT, and it is imperative that we work together as a community to help keep every traveler on our roads safe,” said DDOT Director Sharon Kershbaum. “This progress shows the impact of smart engineering and strategic road improvements and reinforces why we must continue building on this momentum.” 

This positive trend is largely due to the city’s coordinated efforts to improve road safety through education, engineering, enforcement, and emergency response. 

Road Safety Reminders 
Everyone on the road has a role to play in keeping our neighborhoods safe. Here are some reminders: 

• Drivers: Slowdown and yield to people walking and biking.  
• Pedestrians: Wait for the signal and always use the crosswalk.  
• Bicyclists: Wear protective and reflective gear, as well as a helmet, and park bike in a safe location.  

For resources and information about the new school year, families are encouraged to consult the newly released 2025 Back to School Guide at backtoschool.dc.gov.  

 

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