Annual Teen Driving Safety Program

Do you still remember when you first learned how to drive?  I sure do.  I have to admit that I learned to drive way before I reached the legal age required to get a driver’s license.  This was quite common back then and I think that even today, a lot of teenagers learn to drive early.  However, my parents were quite strict in the sense that they didn’t really let me drive until I got my student’s permit at least.  The farthest that I could go was around the block in a small rural area where we lived.  Of course, back then, I was not happy about the restrictions.  Looking back, though, I totally understand why my parents imposed those rules.

Today, teenage driving is one of the foremost issues when it comes to safety.  We have to admit that not all teenagers are as responsible as we would like them to be.  More so, peer pressure can push them into making decisions that may not be the best course to take at a given time.

I suppose that is why the San Ramon Unified School District is launching its annual teen driving safety program.  Today, October 18, is actually the launch date and the venue is California High School in San Ramon.  CBS5 has this story:

The San Ramon Valley Unified School District is launching its annual teen driving safety program today at California High School in San Ramon.

The Street Smarts program, now entering its fifth year, promotes traffic safety for elementary, middle and high school students in San Ramon Valley.

The program includes a campaign called “It Happens,” which invites teenagers to share their driving experiences with each other online. This year’s “It Happens” will focus on students at California High School.

Six of the stories will then be filmed and posted on the program’s Web site.

Students who take quizzes, submit stories or watch the videos can earn points that can be used to get prizes, including iPods, Xbox 360s and gift cards from local shops.

The campaign also has a 60-second video contest for middle school students that runs in the fall and the spring. The topic this fall is bicycle safety.

Finalists from both the fall and spring competitions will have their videos shown at the Danville International Children’s Film Festival in May.

In January, elementary school students will be invited to draw illustrations for a traffic safety storybook written by local children’s book author Dana Mentink.

The Street Smarts program is a local partnership between the school district, the town of Danville, the city of San Ramon, Contra Costa County and the San Ramon Valley Council of PTAs.

Once again, I want to comment that this kind of activity is what we need more of.  The teachers, parents, and school children are involved and the need for safety measures are highlighted greatly.  More so, the nature of the prizes will certainly attract more participants to the contest.

Do you have something similar in your school district?

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