Teen drivers ages 16 to 19 are more at risk for motor vehicle crashes—these teen drivers are almost three times as likely to have a fatal crash as drivers aged 20 or older (based on CDC studies from 2020). These same studies found that, every day, approximately eight teen drivers died due to motor vehicle crashes. Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) is dedicated to preventing these deaths and injuries.
Teen drivers are at a disadvantage due to their inexperience behind the wheel. They may be unable to recognize dangerous situations or make an error that leads to an accident. They are more likely to speed, not allow enough space between vehicles, text or email while driving, and not wear their seatbelt when compared to older drivers. Driving impaired (by alcohol or drugs) also increases the risk of a serious crash.
The only way to combat these destructive decisions is through education and support. The SADD program at Jefferson-Morgan High School is committed to keeping students safe. Students attend monthly meetings at IU1 and other locations dealing with helping students make better decisions about destructive decisions and driving related activities.
This year, the SADD students organized a Youth Traffic Safety Teen Expo, held on May 2 at the school. The event featured engaging workshops, interactive exhibits, and peer-led initiatives to expose students and student drivers to the dangers of the decisions they make.
The program took about three months of planning and was made possible thanks to a grant from Remake Learning and the help of with the help of AAA, PA Highway Safety Network, PENNDOT, State Farm, Greene County Drug & Alcohol, and other organizations.
Mr. Corbett and members of SADD assisted at different stations. At those stations, students had the chance to learn about diving safety, in a variety of ways. Some of the stations included Wheel of trivia, Mocktails, Pledge Station, and Tattoo Station. Other stations dealt with students using goggles of different levels of impairments: Golf Game, Distract-a-match, stacking cups, pot toss, driving school, children’s hospitals driving mat, PSP Driving School w/bike arm. There was also a PennDOT Truck Parked outside for students to explore and see what drivers deal with when on the road.
In addition to the expo, the students use other activities to promote safe decision-making. Last year, they did a mock crash as part of the Prom Promise. The group worked with local volunteer fire departments, the Pennsylvania State Police, STAT MedEvac, and various other volunteers. In other years, they’ve had the Grim Reaper visit students.
“Mr. Corbett and his SADD Club have been vital in providing our youth with safe decision-making opportunities. The club has worked hard to bring in outside agencies to support our students and empower others. I am extremely proud of their efforts and the service they have provided to make our school community a better and safer place,” Principal Wesley Loring says.
The JM chapter of SADD has 18 students, from grades nine to 12: Katie Lawrence, Josh Kaufman, Elsa Roberts, Elizabeth Corbett, Joey Bair, Theresa Eggleston, Maryah Demaske, Lacey Ryan, Adysan Kern, Ava Bertagnolli, Lexi Burkett, Grace Rohanna, Addison Palko, Grant Hathaway, Marilyn Marody, Hayden Yeck, and Sophia Fox.
