PennDOT Introduces Updated Highway Safety Program for Schools

'Survival 101' Updated with Sections on Distracted Driving and Fatigue

HARRISBURG, Pa., Aug. 26 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- PennDOT today launched a revamped Survival 101 traffic safety program for students in grades six through 12 that focuses on a range of driver behavior issues.

The program, first introduced in 2003, has been updated to include distracted driving and fatigue in addition to seat belt use, impaired driving and aggressive driving. The new program also includes a video and 9-1-1 re-enactment created using students from Ringghold High School in Washington County and Minersville Area High School in Schuylkill County.

"The updated Survival 101 is designed to be more reflective of the challenges that today's young drivers encounter," said PennDOT Secretary Allen D. Biehler, P.E. "Programs like this are important in teaching young people safe driving practices right from the start."

Survival 101 is presented by trained police officers who share real-life experiences. Officers also encourage students to take responsibility for their actions.

Survival 101 is one of three traffic safety programs offered by PennDOT. The Back Is Where It's At, which is for elementary students, focuses on seat belts, air bags and the importance of placing child passengers in the back seat. The Sixteen Minutes program is for high school students and presented in a small group setting for teens that are within a month of turning 16. Sixteen Minutes covers seat belt use and other safe driving behaviors.

During the previous school year, more than 650 programs were presented to more than 35,000 students statewide.

These programs can be requested through PennDOT's highway safety website, www.DriveSafePA.org, by clicking on "Resource Center," then "School Traffic Safety Resources" and then "Buckle Up PA School Programs."

Media contact: Alison Wenger, 717-783-8800

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Transportation