Over the last 20 years, I have spoken to millions of students in schools across the country. At every one of those schools and at each presentation, I meet young people who are incredibly inspiring, motivating and creative. These are students who are working hard to make their communities better places and our world a safer one – and I am constantly amazed by the new and creative ways they do it!
The students at Hamlin High School in South Dakota recently put on a safe driving event that I wanted to share with all of you. The sheriff’s department “ticketed” students for doing the right thing when driving, like wearing their seatbelts, parking safely and going the speed limit. They later could trade in their “good driving tickets” for a soda pop.
Many Hamlin students also participated in an activity with the local sherrif’s department. They wore “drunk goggles” – designed to highlight the dangers of driving under the influence.
The second shot shows students holding my iSpokeUp air fresheners — a great reminder to speak up for yourself, your beliefs and your friends!
I’m so proud of the school, students and community for speaking up about safe driving, and I hope you are all inspired to host your own safe driving events!
Here’s some ideas to help you plan your own event:
– Work with your school or a community organization to host a lock-in during one of the nights teen drivers are most at-risk, like Homecoming or prom.
– Start a SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) chapter at your school.
– Host a mock-crash educational program that simulates a crash scene and allows students to talk about their feelings and attitudes about safe driving.
– Plan a “Ghost Out Day” in which a number of students are chosen to be “ghosts” killed in car crashes. During the day, the students will dress in black t-shirts and not be allowed to speak. At the end of the day, students can share their experiences about what it was like to “lose” a friend to dangerous driving.
These are just some of the cool ideas I’ve seen students doing to raise awareness about dangerous driving in their schools and communities. Have you tried any of these ideas? What events are you planning in the future to spread the message?
