With the wide array of technology available to us it’s easy to see how people can become easily distracted, especially while driving. The National Road Safety Foundation and Scholastic are looking for ideas from teens to help them get the message out that distracted driving can have serious consequences.
According to the National Road Safety Foundation, “Traffic crashes are the leading cause of death among U.S. teens, killing 5,000 every year and injuring tens of thousands more. Distraction is a major factor in teen crashes, so we are encouraging young people to help us get the word out to their peers.”
The Foundation is promoting a contest, The Drive2Life, to get students to think creatively and let their voices be heard during a public service address to be released in May 2013 during Global Youth Traffic Safety Month. The winning PSA will receive a $1,000 prize and an all expenses paid trip to New York. The student(s) will be able to work with an Emmy Award-winning director to put their idea into reality.
Distracted driving is becoming an epidemic and teens are most at risk. They’ve grown up with cellphones and technology all around them. Parents need to set a good example and not use their cellphone while driving. Multi-tasking while driving does not work. According to the U.S. Secretary of Transportation, he feels that it’s important for young drivers to get the message that even one text or call could have serious consequences.
The NRSF has been a proponent for driver education programs for more than 50 years. The programs are used in schools, police, and traffic safety agencies and focus on distracted driving, speed, drinking and driving and drowsy driving.
Source: HealthNewsDigest.com, “Teens Help Fight Distracted Driving,” Dec. 6, 2012