Harry S. Truman High School to Host “Share the Keys” Teen Driver Safety Program

Read Time:2 Minute, 5 Second

Levittown, Bucks County, PA – Truman High School will host Share the Keys a Parent/Teen safe driving presentation on Thursday April 26^th at 5:15 p.m. Presented by NJM Insurance Company in partnership with the Pennsylvania DUI Association, the research-based course is designed to educate parent and teen about Pennsylvania’s Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) laws and emphasizes the importance of parental involvement during the GDL process.

Motor Vehicle Crashes remain the leading cause of deaths for teens in the U.S. with an average of 4,000 each year. “Keeping our students safe and equipping them with information is of vital importance. Encouraging parental involvement as part of this process is key,” said Jill Saul, SADD Advisor, Truman High School. “We appreciate the support of the PA DUI Association and NJM in providing this important service to our community.”

Parental involvement has a significant impact on teen driver safety. Research conducted by the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) Center for Injury Research and Prevention examined the impact parenting styles had on teen driver safety. The report found that teens whose parents set rules and pay attention to their driving activities in a helpful, supportive way are half as likely to be involved in a crash. These key findings were used to define the objectives for Share the Keys:

Understanding Graduated Driver Licensing Laws – Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) laws are recognized as the single most effective tool for reducing teen driver crashes, injuries and deaths.

Effectively Supporting the GDL at Home – The intention of GDL restrictions is to minimize a teen’s exposure to risk while he or she gains driving experience. The curfew and passenger restrictions have the most life-saving potential.

Being a Good Role Model – Research shows that teens mimic their parents’ driving behaviors, regardless of whether or not they taught them to drive.

Increasing Practice Driving Hours – Teens are at the greatest risk for being involved in a crash during the first 12 to 24 months of driving.

Controlling the Keys – CHOP’s research also revealed that teens who requested permission to use the car were 50 percent less likely to be involved in a crash when compared to teens with primary access.

The presentation will be held in the Truman H.S. Library. Members of the media are encouraged to attend. Jill Saul is the school’s contact person and can be reached at 215-630-8030 learn more about Share the Keys and teen driver safety visit www.SharetheKeys.com.