By Rich Larson
Members of the Rice County Public Health staff and local law enforcement agencies are working to bring a special driver safety curriculum to Rice County 10th graders.
Rice County Public Health Toward Zero Deaths Coordinator Grace Pint and Lonsdale Police Sgt. Jack Schleichert are partnering to offer the Impact Teen Drivers program to 10th-grade students across the county. Through a collaboration between Toward Zero Deaths and the Minnesota State Patrol, students take part in an evidence-based curriculum called “What Do You Consider Lethal?” The program focuses on the dangers of distracted, impaired and reckless driving and encourages students to make safe, responsible decisions behind the wheel.
According to the Minnesota Department of Transportation, motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death and injury for teens ages 15 to 18.
County officials said reaching students in 10th grade, early in their driving lives, is a chance to establish safe habits that can last a lifetime. The county said that talking with teens before they begin driving on their own is a critical step in preventing crashes.
The county also stressed the role parents and caregivers play. Officials said setting clear expectations, modeling safe behavior and establishing driving rules can reduce risky behavior. National Teen Driver Safety Week is recognized each October, but the county said conversations about safe driving should happen year-round.
Rice County Public Health shared five key messages for teen drivers: buckle up every trip, every time; put devices away and stay focused on the road; watch your speed and follow posted limits; drive sober and never get behind the wheel impaired; and limit passengers to reduce distractions.
Rice County schools interested in offering the curriculum can contact Pint at 507-384-6453 or Grace.Pint@RiceCountyMN.gov. Parent-teen driving agreements, driver’s license information and other resources are available on the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Office of Traffic Safety website.
Rich Larson is the owner and General manager of KYMN Radio. Contact him at rich@kymnradio.net
