Untitled Document

Tomorrow's leaders seen today at youth safety summit

They are tomorrow’s leaders, but teens can make a difference today. That’s the message from the Office of Highway Safety as they took part in the Treasure Valley Youth Safety Summit in Meridian on Friday (Sept. 22).

About 180 teens from across the Treasure Valley were on hand to learn about everything from drug abuse to traffic safety.

“It’s really important to teach them good driving behaviors while they’re new drivers,” said Ken Corder from OHS. “We really hope we can teach them to do the right thing before they develop bad habits behind the wheel.”

Teen drivers make up about 6% of licensed drivers in Idaho but are involved in nearly 40% of all crashes in the state.

“It’s our responsibility to ourselves and to our children to do everything in our power to keep them safe on our roads,” Corder said.

During the event, OHS held a contest to come up with a radio public service announcement. The teens were divided into groups and provided highway safety statistics and given the challenge to create a message to reach their peers. The winning PSA will be recorded and played statewide.

“If these kids are any indication, the future of Idaho is in good hands,” Corder said.