Teen Safe Driving Proclamation

TEEN SAFE DRIVING WEEK 2009 PROCLAMATION

The week of May 11-18 has been declared Teen Safe Driving Week by the Village of Manito, Illinois.

WHEREAS, The Village of Manito and the Midwest Central Communities are concerned about Teen Driving and the Safety of our Youth; and

WHEREAS, Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of teen fatalities; and

WHEREAS, The Midwest Central High School IPASS Program, a teen-led, program dedicated to reducing driving-related teen deaths and injuries in the state of Illinois and the nation by working locally, statewide and nationally to inform teens about the human costs of traffic crashes and to promote safe driving practices for all drivers; and

WHEREAS, Teen Safe Driving Week is a safe driving campaign designed to raise awareness about the importance of driving safely, wearing seat belts, avoiding distractions, and the dangers of driving impaired ; and

WHEREAS, This year’s campaign focuses on the positive actions that each driver can take to ensure their safety and the safety of others; and

WHEREAS, The most dangerous part of the year for teen drivers is summer because they are spending more time on the road, it’s increasingly important for drivers to be fully prepared when they get behind the wheel; and

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Tim Sondag, Mayor, do hereby proclaim the week of May 11-18- 2000 as TEEN SAFE DRIVING WEEK and call upon all community members to join in this lifesaving observance and encourage teens to drive safe, drive smart and to wear their seat belts.

IPASS Community Leader - Tim Sondag, Mayor, Manito, Illinois

Operation Prom Night

On Wednesday, April 29th, Midwest Central High School participated in Operation Prom Night. With help from the American Red Cross, local Law Enforcement Agencies, local Fire Protection and Ambulance Squads, and the Mason County Coroner we were able to present a very realistic crash scene scenario at our school. Students were told that a drunk driver who attended a drinking party after prom hit several students who were coming home from the school sponsored post-prom party. Two other students were the first people on the scene and called 911.

Operation Prom Night is a good reminder to students about what can happen when they drive impaired. In this scenario, the drunk driver caused one fatality and multiple serious injuries. Students were reminded that he would have to live the rest of his life, with the knowledge that he was responsible for a death. Students also heard, from the coroner, how hard it is on parents and families when they learn what has happened to their child.

Prom Night

Spring is rapidly approaching and for many high school students that means prom is right around the corner. To be safe on prom night remember these safe driving tips:

• Prom night is the deadliest night of the year
• Limit the number of passengers in your car
• Wear your seat belt
• Keep an eye on your driver to make sure they don't consume alcohol
• Know your plans before prom and stick with friends
• Drive on well lit roads
• Don't consume alcohol and don't' give in to peer pressure

Prom night is a night to remember. Follow these safe driving tips and nothing will change that

Traffic Safety Conference 4/15/09

Illinois Traffic Safety Conference - Stayin Alive

Yesterday the IPASS Committee has the opportunity to present our program to the attendees of the Illinois Traffic Safety conference. Over 400 people listened to our presentation and we met and talked to a lot of neat and interesting people.



Jamie:

The Safety Convention was something not only interesting, but also important. It reminded us that when driving it isn't only our job, as the driver to protect the safety of ourselves, but also the safety of our passengers, and other drivers too.



Eric:

I thought the conference was pretty good. It was a real honor to represent my school. All of the people that we met were very informative and listened to what we had to say. It was inspiring to see everyone so driven to get the word out and overall it was really fun. Everyone who has the chance should get involved.



Ashley:

The conference showed that wearing seat belts can save lives. I also thought that it was well organized and that the people were friendly and informative. I really enjoyed it. I also learned the right way to use a car seat and that the safest place for a baby is the back seat.



Alexis:

I really enjoyed the Illinois Traffic Safety Conference, it was cool to talk to people who were so passionate about auto safety. We got a lot of free stuff and the food was pretty good too. :)



Ashten:

I found the Traffic Safety Conference to be extremely informational and well addressed. I had the pleasure of meeting many people. Not only did I learn many new and exciting ideas for reaching out to our teens about auto safety, but I also has the chance to present our program to more than 400 people. I also want to mention a man who is very passionate about helping our young drivers, Phil Rog. He not only gave me more information , but he also opened doors for my school to possibly introduce a drug awareness program.



Kelsey:

I thought that the Traffic Safety Conference was a really great experience. All of the different people that were there to help educate others on safe driving were very interesting to talk to; and a few of them actually gave my school more opportunities to get the safe driving message across. Also at the conference I, along with Ashten, had a chance to present our safe driving video and had a chance to explain the upcoming events our school will do to help teens be safer drivers. Ashten and I also explained why our strive to get the safe driving message out to teens and young adults.

Parking Lot Safety

Q: At what place are you most likely to get in a "fender bender"?

A: The parking lot!

Make sure you are aware of ALL your surroundings in a parking lot, and the whole radius of your car.

Watch out for pedestrians, especially small children, you're not the only one in the parking lot!

Post office parking lots usually have the most "fender bender" incidents.

Find a parking space away from the buidling for these reasons:

1. Your car doors will be less exposed to dings and dents.
2. If your car is out in the open it's less likely to be vandelized.
3. You'll find a spot more quickly.
4. The walk to the building will do you good!

Distractions in the Vehicle

1.Cell phones

Q: Why is this a problem?

A: Cell phones are a major distraction. In a 2008 survey by Nationwide Insurance, 67% of the people surveyed admitted to using a cell phone while driving.

2. Other people

Q: What do children, friends, and pets all have in common?

A: All can be a dangerous distraction while driving. Loud talking, quarreling over music selections, horseplay, arguments and other disturbing conversations should take place elsewhere. NOT in the vehicle!

3. Turning dials, Windows, and Mirrors

Q: How can this be dangerous?

A: It's a distracting activity that can put you and your passenger into a dangerous situation. You should adjust a vehicle's controls (climate controls, mirrors, radio, seats, etc.) before you begin to drive. If you are with a passenger ask them to adjust the radio, climate, or navigation system for you.

4. Food and Drinks

Q: If you are eating while you are driving what do you pay more attention to, driving or eating?

A: If you are eating within your vehicle you are focusing on your food rather your driving. You aren't just eating the food you are also opening packages, unwrapping and re-wrapping foods, reaching, leaning, and cleaning up your mess. Make time before you leave or when you reach your destination so you can have a bite to eat!