Groups Make Impact on Teen Driving Education

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Oct 01, 2010, 02:33 ET

Presented with Teen Driving Safety Leadership Award by the National Safety Council

SAN DIEGO, Oct. 1 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National Safety Council today announced the winners of its 2nd annual Teen Driving Safety Leadership Awards, sponsored by General Motors. The awards recognize exceptional contributions that prevent crashes, injuries and deaths involving teen drivers. Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for teens.

The four honorees, who will receive their awards at the NSC Defensive Driving Awards Banquet Saturday evening in San Diego are American Family Insurance, Madison, WI, Harry D. Jacobs High School, Algonquin, IL, National Organizations for Youth Safety, Gainesville, VA, and Teens in the Driver Seat, College Station, TX.

"Many organizations and individuals are taking significant actions to save the lives of our teens and those who share the roads with them," said Janet Froetscher, president and CEO of the National Safety Council. "These honorees were selected from nominees across the nation based on their demonstrated commitment and the measurable impact they had on changing behaviors, enhancing public understanding of the issue and advocating proven prevention strategies."

"General Motors is pleased to work with the National Safety Council to recognize those who are making important contributions to teen driver safety," said Michael Robinson, GM vice president of Environment, Energy and Safety Policy. "GM commends the winners of these awards and hopes their example will inspire others to make a difference in saving lives."

Highlights of the four winners and their programs include:

American Family Insurance

Through its "Teen Safe Driver Program," the company has provided, free to its insured families, a video feedback program (using the DriveCam system) in which parents can watch the actual driving actions of their teens. The program was validated by scientists at the University of Iowa to produce a 70% reduction in risky driving behavior.

Harry D. Jacobs High School

The Jacobs Safety Initiative includes several school and community projects that raised awareness of driving issues for junior high and high school students. Among the measurable results of the program was an increase in safety belt use among teens in the community, from 70% to 97% in three years.

National Organizations for Youth Safety

NOYS has reached more than 220,000 youth and more than 6,000 schools, with web-based educational resources for teens and parents. NOYS advocates proven strategies that save lives, such as Graduated Driver Licensing laws. NOYS uses teens to influence their peers on issues such as underage drinking, safety belt use and distracted driving.

Teens in the Driver Seat

A program of the Texas Transportation Institute, the TDS peer-to-peer safety program for young drivers has reached more than 400,000 people in 350 schools across Texas. The program has achieved measurable behavior changes and crash reductions. TDS also advocated for improved Graduated Driver Licensing laws in Texas, which were enacted in 2009.

The National Safety Council (www.nsc.org) saves lives by preventing injuries and deaths at work, in homes and communities, and on the roads through leadership, research, education and advocacy.

SOURCE National Safety Council