Program to Educate on Dangers of Texting While Driving

Description

Program to Educate on Dangers of Texting While Driving


The Marshall Traffic Safety Coalition is offering a distracted driving education program for high school and college students in Marshall. The Arrive Alive Tour from UNITE will visit Southwest Minnesota State University on April 20, 2011 from noon to 6 p.m. and Marshall High School on April 28 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. UNITE?s Arrive Alive program uses a high-tech simulator, impact video and a number of other resources to educate students about the dangers of texting while driving. The simulator allows students to experience in a controlled environment the potential consequences of distracted driving.



One of the most commonly recognized driving distractions is cell phone use. About 89 percent of all Americans have a cell phone, according to CTIA ? The Wireless Association. Drivers under 20 years old have the highest proportion of distraction-related fatal crashes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Their lack of driving experience can contribute to critical misjudgments if they become distracted. Not surprisingly, they text more than any other age group and the numbers of young drivers who text is only increasing.



AAA Minnesota is a major contributor for the Arrive Alive Tour. Other sponsors include Brown & Brown Insurance, Marshall Fire Relief Association, Avera Marshall Regional Medical Center, Marshall PTA, Southwest Minnesota State University, Marshall Community Drivers Education Program, Kevin Dubs Agency of the Horace Mann Companies, and the Pride in the Tiger Foundation.

UNITE brings health and wellness programs to high school and college campuses across the nation. Their programs are designed to heighten awareness to the dangers and consequences of drunk driving and distracted driving. Their follow-up programs have a powerful impact on students to reinforce the subjects that schools and parents teach them daily.

The Marshall Traffic Safety Coalition was formed in 2006 by a broad base of community stakeholders interested in addressing a variety of community-wide safety concerns. The coalition aims to raise safety awareness, provide safety education and implement strategies for a safer community.