On October 22, 2022, several dozen middle and high school students in Alabama’s River Region enjoyed the exciting State Farm Teen Driver Safety workshop in honor of National Teen Driver Safety Week. A psychologist from the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s UAB Trip Lab and local State Farm agents facilitated the interactive session at the Tucker Center in Montgomery.
“National Teen Driver Safety Week is observed annually from October 16-22, 2022, and marks a time when communities raise awareness and encourage safety for teen drivers,” said Tania Johns, WIT Vice President for Leadership Development. “Motor vehicle crashes remain the number one cause of death among teens, ages 15-18, in the United States.”
This training was the first Women in Training, Inc. workshop that included boys, and was a collaboration with Fortitude Leadership Academy. Mr. Alvin Tucker, founder and CEO of Fortitude and the Tucker Center, graciously hosted the teenagers and their parents.
“We are better together,” Mr. Tucker said. “This workshop provided important information for both young and older drivers, and I’m looking forward to further collaborations to empower all of our young people.”
Local State Farm agents, Ms. Tyna Carter and Ms. Jessica Majors, facilitated a lively game show style driver safety learning activity. They gave out gifts to winners, including State Farm branded backpacks, water bottles, pens, notepads and other swag.
Here are a few driver safety tips from Ms. Carter and Ms. Majors:
Most fatal teen car crashes occur between 9:00 p.m. and midnight
Having just one additional teen passenger in the car can significantly increase the chances of an accident
Teens are most likely to be involved in a fatal crash in the summer
More fatal teen crashes occur on rural roads
The motor vehicle death rate for male drivers and passengers ages 16 to 19 is more than two times that of their female counterparts
According to the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety, 2,738 teens died in car crashes in 2020, making it the number one cause of death for teens
UAB Trip Lab representative, Ms. Kelly Koncsol, Program Manager in the Department of Psychology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, addressed the most critical rules teen drivers need to follow to stay safe behind the wheel. The curriculum addressed texting and driving, seat belt use, speeding, alcohol use, and the number of passengers in a motor vehicle. among other topics. Undoubtedly, the hands-on virtual driving experience was the highlight of the day!
Ms. Arlene J. Lester, State Farm Corporate Responsibility Analyst, brought together all the agencies for this powerful collaboration to support Alabama’s young drivers.
“State Farm is committed to helping create safer and more educated communities,” Ms. Lester said. “Investing in these young people is a step in the right direction to create safer roadways across Alabama.”
Middle and high school students from the following academic institutions attended the workshop:
Alabama Virtual Academy
Baldwin Art And Academics Magnet Middle School
Booker T. Washington Magnet High School
Brewbaker Technology Magnet High School
Jefferson Davis High School
Loveless Academic Magnet Program (LAMP) High School
Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School
Second Chance
Stanhope Elmore High School
The Montgomery Academy
Valiant Cross Academy
For more information about WIT Leadership Development Academy workshops, please go to the Women in Training website.
Photos by Alvin Tucker
Comments