SADD and State Farm Have Joined Forces to Raise Awareness on the Importance of Wearing Seat Belts

Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) and State Farm are commemorating Nationwide Teen Driver Safety Week with a national call to action – a Rock the Belt Road Trip that brings together State Farm Agents and student leaders from around the nation. Today, the Road Trip made a stop at Helix Charter High School, where State Farm Agents acted as subject matter experts and shared road safety advice with kids and parents.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) indicates that more than half of youths (15-19) killed in collisions were not wearing seat belts. Similarly, 90% of young travellers (ages 13 to 19) were unrestrained.

State Farm agents Alex Peterson and Doug Steiner discussed the special concerns faced by teenage drivers at today’s discussion. The agents emphasised that both parents and teenagers have a role in establishing operational standards for seatbelt use and other behaviours including as distractions. Dr. Jim Lang of San Diego State University and Erin Melusus, President of RADD, were also panellists.

In addition to the panel, representatives of SADD and local law enforcement from throughout the country are participating in the “Quick Click Challenge.” Agents, students, and law enforcement officers created groups of four to speed through the procedure of hopping into a car, fastening the seat belt, and then repeating the process while cycling through all four spots in the vehicle. The “Agents of Change” Roadway Safety Presentation, created by SADD students, will be used by agents around the nation to increase awareness of a primary cause of adolescent accidents. State Farm, in collaboration with SADD and the National Road Safety Foundation, is making the Passport for Safe Driving accessible to new drivers and their parents throughout the nation.

At State Farm, we are committed to safeguarding what is most important, and protecting our adolescent drivers is a primary priority. Together, we can achieve zero road deaths, said State Farm’s public affairs analyst Lauren Maxwell.

“Today’s events served as a humorous reminder of the significance of seat belt safety. State Farm and SADD are aware that seat belts save lives, and we hope that this road trip will encourage every motorist to make buckling up a habit,” said Lanae Schroeder, a local SADD student.