Teen Safe Driving Initiative Discussion Groups

Working to Raise Awareness of Driving Risks

The City of Raleigh has received a $17,000 grant from the Allstate Foundation for the Raleigh Youth Council Teen Safe Driving Initiative.

The Drive Responsible Initiative for Teens program is a comprehensive project that is designed to change teenagers’ behaviors and attitudes to reduce their risks while operating a motor vehicle. The Raleigh Youth Council is partnering with the City of Raleigh Police Department, local high schools, local media and other youth organizations to implement the project. They are working with the City of Raleigh Information Technology Department to purchase four iPads for the teens to use in the community to conduct surveys and solicit teens’ pledges to drive safely.

Teens enrolled will participate in discussion groups and incorporate their learning into peer-to-peer safe driving education projects. The City of Raleigh Police Department began the first of three classroom sessions on Jan. 9 that focused on driving while impaired. Attending the session were members of Raleigh Youth Council, Saint Monica Teen Advisory Board and the Digital Connectors from the Information Technology Department. The next two sessions are scheduled for January 23 and February 13 at Laurel Hills Community Center and will focus on distracted driving and speeding.

Several teens also attended the Run for Young 5k on Jan. 7 to help promote the DRIFT Program and support the race that is held in honor of Sadiki Young and raises awareness of safe driving for teens.

The Raleigh Youth Council encourages teens through involvement in civic engagement, leadership opportunities, community service, and recreation. The Youth Council develops a teen’s leadership qualities through participation in events such as the Youth Legislative Assembly and State Youth Council Conferences. The Raleigh Youth Council also creates a forum where teens can freely express their ideas and opinions and serve as advocates for teens in Raleigh and Wake County.