“It Only Takes One” is the message shared this year by Students Against Destructive Decisions – a group at Ray-Pec High School. The message is part of a safety campaign to reduce the number of traffic crashes and fatality accidents involving teen drivers.
SADD is spreading the word that it only takes ONE text, ONE drink, ONE call, ONE reach, or ONE distraction to cause ONE fatal moment, but that ONE clicked seat belt could be the different between life or death in a car crash.
SADD students painted signs and messages at school and parking lot entrances to remind students and staff to buckle up. The students also created banners to be posted at the exits. During lunch periods, students had the opportunity sign a pledge to wear their seat belts. Throughout the year, SADD members plan to draw names for gift certificates from those who have pledged.
SADD Sponsor Tina Fultz said that students reviewed information showing that traffic crashes are the leading cause of death for youth ages 15 to 20 in Missouri, accounting for nearly 13.2 percent of traffic fatalities during the last three years.
Many factors — including inexperience, alcohol, speeding, cell phones, and other distractions — contribute to these crashes, with many resulting in death. Research indicates that driver distractions are the primary cause of fatal collisions. In addition, one of the greatest risk factors facts by teens is the number of passengers in the vehicle. Studies have confirmed that with the presence of just one passenger, teens are twice as likely to be involved in a fatal crash.
For more information, go to www.SaveMOLives.com.