GRAND LEDGE, Mich. — High school students are three times more likely to get into an accident than any other age group.
That’s why Grand Ledge high school is part of a program letting students take a different approach to keeping each other safe on the road.
"A lot of these messages are new for these drivers. We really want to enforce the safety aspect. Teens talking to teens helps to reinforce that message and drives home the fact that safety is so important."
Students are doing it by creating videos and PowerPoints to convince classmates not to drive distracted or impaired.
The timing of the campaign couldn't be better, with snow in the forecast.
"We’ve had kids affected by unsafe driving. So whether it's putting the phone away, turning down the radio, or making sure all your friends are safe, it's been really important to grand ledge schools."
The Comets are in their second year with the campaign, and are one of a record 62 Michigan schools participating.
"They meet on weekends, they meet at coffee shops, and they have group chats going on. This has been student-led and all of the hard work and ideas come from them."
Ideas the students and staff hope will save lives.
"It’s been really important for us to make sure that all of our comets arrive and get home safe every day."
Grand Ledge will be entered for a chance to win one of five cash prizes.
The students will also able to attend the ford ride and drive event in May, where they'll learn skills to avoid dangers on the road.
The program is run through the state police's office of highway safety planning.
