Teens Talk to Teens About Traffic Safety

Despite the progress we’ve made keeping our nation’s drivers and passengers safe, we still face the challenge of protecting our newest—and most vulnerable drivers.  In 2007, 3,174 teenage drivers were killed and nearly 252,000 were injured in crashes—the leading cause of death for 15-20 year olds.  Mile for mile, teenagers are involved in three times as many fatal crashes as all other drivers.

As part of our efforts to address this problem, the Department has partnered with the National Organizations for Youth Safety (NOYS) on a nationwide competition that challenged teens to develop ad campaigns that will help spread the message of traffic safety to their peers.  We think teens are more likely to get the message about safety and awareness when it comes from other teens, and were thrilled to provide passionate students with the opportunity to reach out to their friends in new ways.

Today, I announced the competition winners.  The winning campaign, developed by Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley High School from Gibson City, Illinois will be used as part of 2009’s National Youth Traffic Safety Month.  In second place was Anoka High School of Anoka, Minnesota, while third place went to Clifton High School of Clifton, Illinois.

The three finalists received first, second and third place grants of $5,000, $2,000 and $1,000.  Prize money will be used to support traffic safety activities or to provide scholarships to acknowledge student leadership in traffic safety programs. 

Out of the initial 34 entries, these three teams demonstrated hard work, commitment, creativity and enthusiasm for safety issues.  They created dynamic PSAs, brought in guest speakers and hosted information sessions, engaged peers, adults and in some cases, other local communities. Their efforts resulted in an inspiring and renewed commitment to working together as a community to prevent the needless deaths of young people on local roads.  I am very proud of their efforts and again congratulate them on their success.

Taking a note from the successful launch of the Fast Lane, the Department is striving to reach teens in new and innovate ways.  We have used the social networking website Facebook to develop a pilot teen-oriented Group called Keys To Drive.  The Group will be a place where teens can connect and share safe-driving tips, advocacy strategies and real-life stories.

Thanks to all the great kids who put so much work into their projects.  Their work is saving lives.  Here is a brief description of the three finalists’ projects:

First Place Winner- Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley High School, Gibson City, IL
The campaign, titled License to Live, uses television and radio PSA’s to urge seat belt use, bicycle and railroad safety in their community.  GCMS’s License to Live youth leader Eric Sommer also worked with local officials to raise awareness about dangerous intersections in their area, and has been successful in making helpful changes. 

Second Place Winner- Anoka High School, Anoka, Minnesota
Anoka High School’s Get the 411 on Teen Drivers! Stay Connected! Save Teen Lives! campaign focuses on graduated licensing and seatbelt laws.  The school hosted Teen Driver 411 week, during which they made presentations to four Driver’s Education programs along with AAA. 

Third Place Winner- Clifton Central High School, Clifton, IL
Clifton Central High School’s Operation Safer Teens (CO$T) started their campaign, Get Put it on. Put it away. Just slow down. Say no way., by purchasing two speed limit signs for both entrances of their high school and middle school complex.  To spread their message, the team hung banners at football games, sponsored a door decorating contest, and an artwork contest with the school’s Art Club.  CO$T has sponsored a Child Safety Seat check program, and has hosted an Alive at 25 Parent Program. 

Comments

[NC Mortgage Rates]

What we need are parents talking to their teens. Here in NC there are a lot of teenagers doing underage dreinking and driving afterwards. It's time we put an end to this, and start finding out where our kids are in the middle of the night!

[Greg]

Congratulations to all of the winners. Those ideas were good. Hopefully, whem implemented, they will make a difference.

We definately need more safe drivers on the roads.

[Fred]

I think this program should go nationwide. I lost my brother to a car wreck 12 years ago. If there were programs like this I think he would be still around.

[Traffic School]

These programs should be conducted from time to time all around the country to increase the awareness of safe driving among people, especially teenagers.

-Sami

[Headstone]

The Licensed to Live idea sounds like a good one.

[games]

I agree that we need to encourage parents talking with their children about this issue. Its really important.

[Cat Jarritt]

It would good if you could get Dean Kamen on board a project like this or get it tied into his F.I.R.S.T (for inspiration and recognition in science and technology) program.
http://www.usfirst.org/

He really knows how to inspire youngsters in coming up with innovative ways of using technology to better the world. Instead of just safety campaigns, you could get the youngsters looking at inventions or ideas for physical safety products or products that would enhance road safety generally.

Cat

[Bill Moyer]

Great article...I have a 15 year old who is begging to get his learners permit.

I am making him read this before we go any further in the process. I have also created a pledge card for him to sign that states he will not drive recklessly, obey all laws and just generally act like a responsible person behind the wheel.

Driving is a privaledge not a right.

[Should I Drop College]

Lost one to many friends texting and driving. I usually recommend them to get a unlimited plan so they can just call and talk when driving without any worries