In 2015, there were nearly 42,000 crashes in Michigan with a driver between the ages of 15 and 19. Of those, 84 resulted in fatalities and 477 of them had serious injuries.
To help reduce these crashes amongst youth, students at every high school have the opportunity to take part in the Strive for a Safer Drive program. As Monday starts National Teen Driver Safety Week, the program is seeking to expand to 50 schools.
The teen safe driving program is a partnership between Ford Driving Skills for Life and the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning. Together, they are hoping to curb the leading cause of death for teens. Traffic crashes.
The program helps teens talk to their peers about safe driving, and up to 50 schools will be selected to develop and implement a student-led, peer-to-peer traffic safety awareness campaign. Topics can include distracted driving, seat belts, underage drinking and driving, speeding and winter driving.
Schools that participate will receive $1,000 for their campaign. According to a release, there will also be cash prizes awarded to the top five schools, and participating schools will have the opportunity to send students to a free Ford DSFL hands-on driving clinic in the spring with professional driving instructors.
Since 2011, the number of participating high schools have nearly tripled, according to the release, and last year 44 high schools participated.
High schools wishing to participate can learn more and apply by clicking here. Applications are due Nov. 18.
