PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION
In 1997, impaired drivers in Idaho between the ages of 15 and
19, were responsible for 29 percent of all alcohol-related fatal motor
vehicle crashes, while comprising only 9 percent of the state's licensed
drivers. In fact, Idaho teenagers are more likely to die in a traffic
crash than from all other causes of death combined. Further, while overall
seat belt use in Idaho in 1997 was 54 percent, observed seat belt use
in the City of Soda Springs, was only 28 percent, well below the statewide
average.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
To support Idaho's statewide goal of reducing motor vehicle
crash-related fatalities and serious injuries, especially among youthful
drivers, the Soda Springs Police Department developed the Young Driver
Education project during 1997. Specific objectives of the program were
to:
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Design a unique approach to education, using students to influence
other students with traffic safety messages
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Reduce impaired driving among teenaged drivers, through voluntary
compliance with traffic laws
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Increase seat belt use in the Soda Springs community
STRATEGIES AND ACTIVITIES
In developing the Young Driver Education Project, the Soda Springs
Police Department formed a coalition of high school students to help
address youthful driver safety issues. Coalition members consisted of
students serving juvenile probation, many for alcohol and/or drug-related
offenses. This broad-based strategy incorporated the concept that the
best means to address impaired driving is through peer-to-peer influence.
The youth coalition assisted the police department by brainstorming
monthly activities aimed at reducing impaired driving, and increasing
driver and passenger restraint use. Coalition members devised innovative
activities involving the student bodies of their elementary, middle
and high schools. Specific activities included:
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A crash victim testimonial assembly, featuring a young person
who had experienced disabling injuries from a traffic crash. During
the assembly, highway safety videos were presented, to further dramatize
the consequences of failing to buckle up
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A student seat belt contract poster contest, for which students
set a seat belt usage goal, planned a celebration party upon reaching
the goal, and conducted fundraisers throughout the year to fund
the party and publicize traffic safety messages. The contest initially
emphasized safety restraint use, but as usage increased, the emphasis
shifted to impaired driving
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Distribution of highway safety literature during school and community
activities
These activities created a ripple effect throughout the schools and
community. Local officials, businesses, newspaper and radio stations
supported coalition efforts.
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