Driver Safety in Missouri High Schools

To bolster teen driver protection in Missouri, I am recommending that high schools implement a sustained, comprehensive driver safety program. The primary purposes of such a program will be to reduce the types of teen driver collisions that cause serious injury and fatalities and set driving standards that will allow young and inexperienced drivers to cultivate a safer approach to driving.

In this regard, I am recommending that school administrators consider implementing the Drive By Example High School Driver Safety program. Drive By Example is a drivers safety communications platform that is a perfect fit for high school application because it:

∙ is built on a clear, concise, and memorable driver safety message to “drive by example – alert, bucked, and cautious;

∙ addresses multiple teen driving safety priorities, including the reduction of distracted, reckless, and impaired driving;

∙ emphasizes a defensive driving approach that is centered on the protection of teen drivers and their passengers;

∙ encourages a higher driving standard, personal responsibility, and student leadership.

∙ is designed to be a sustained campaign of indefinite duration that will keep driver safety high on the student consciousness

Also, because driver safety education is one of the most important aspects of driver development, I am also advocating that Missouri high schools provide driver safety education as part of the student’s course requirements. While traditional “Driver’s Ed” is no longer feasible from a cost standpoint, driving safety education addresses a vital public safety concern and can be easily included within the high school’s 9th and 10th grade health studies curriculum.

In order to assist high schools in gearing up to offer driver safety education instruction, Drive By Example’s model high school program includes a driver safety education course outline that gives students a solid foundation in driver safety, including instruction on safe driving habits and behaviors, vehicle safety, important aspects of automobile insurance, and emergency/accident procedures.