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December 15-19, 2003 was designated by the Governor of Connecticut as the first Teenage Safe Driving Awareness Week. Since then, the third week in December has been established as Teenage Safe Driving Awareness Week, and Mourning Parents ACT, Inc. has been recognized in the Governor's Official Statement.
The first teen driver safety program developed for Teenage Safe Driving Awareness Week 2003 was held at Windham High School in Connecticut with the help of DECA students. Since that time, the program has been adopted by many high schools throughout Connecticut. Below are guidelines for developing a successful program at your school. It is important to have a good plan for the week -- something that addresses teen driver safety every day -- not all day, but part of it. Following are suggestions to assist you in developing your own curriculum for Teenage Safe Driving Awareness Week.
Contact !MPACT - Let us know you are interested in developing a program, and arrange for one or more !MPACT speakers to participate.
Involve Students - Identify student groups and get them involved. These may be peer groups, student government, youth action groups, honor society members, DECA, etc. Include students in the planning and development stages and you will get the added energy, excitement and sense of ownership that will provide the basis for a successful program.
Contact Your DARE Or Student Resource Officer - Your local law enforcement officials may be able to arrange for a crash or rollover simulator to be brought onsite. They may also have access to goggles that simulate the condition of an impaired driver. They may have a story to share with students during the presentation part of the program. Prompt them for ideas of their own.
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Contact The Local Fire Dept - Some fire departments will help by working with police in crash reenactments, demonstrating extrications and medical procedures. Many have been involved in mock accidents in the past and should be able to help you. If you need assistance, call Tom Jascowski, Emergency Services Liaison for !MPACT, at 860-666-5639.
Advertise Early - Start the beginning of the month with an announcement in the school newspaper, have students make up posters, advertise the upcoming program in morning announcements or through home room teachers.
Contact Parents -Send a notice of events home to parents. Consider involving those interested or who work in positions that are related to the program and may be able to get outside help. You should also consider inviting parents to attend certain parts of the program.
Contact A Reputable Driving School - Invite a driving instructor to speak and supply students with handouts, including good driving tips. Use the driving tips on !MPACT's website by including a couple of tips per day in morning announcements. The entire list can be included on the lunch tables daily. Consider asking the driving instructor to help with a jeopardy game using the driving tips provided earlier. Winners will be able to experience any of the simulators your school may be able to obtain through the police department.
Media Coverage - Contact local press and radio stations for coverage throughout the week. Maybe a group of students can go to a local radio station to talk on air about what they are learning and the importance of the program.
Be Sensitive - If your school has suffered losses due to automobile accidents, be sensitive to students. !MPACT presentations are often emotionally charged. Offer an opt-out option for any student who does not feel comfortable being involved in any part of the program. Consider including memorials, if appropriate, and acknowledgements to parents who have suffered losses. You may even find parents who want to speak about their experiences. If you do, you should contact !MPACT so that they can be incorporated into the speaking presentation. Students who have survived accidents may also make good, convincing speakers.
Please keep in mind that these are basic guidelines; we are always looking for originality and new ideas to enhance the program. Feel free to contact !MPACT for additional guidance and resources.
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