Nominate A Local Organization, Encourage Safe Driving
KOSCIUSKO COUNTY — Car crashes are the leading cause of death for teens in the United States. “Love Drives Me” hopes to bring attention to the problem by engaging teens and adults in meaningful dialogue. One way to begin or continue the dialogue is creating and sending valentine messages to friends and loved ones with a promise to drive safely.
To participate, go to the campaign’s website to create and customize a valentine greeting by completing the phrase, “Love drives me to …” and send the valentine greeting directly from the campaign site.
Up to $10,000 in grants is available to local organizations nominated by participating dealers. Each time a greeting is sent, a vote can be cast for one of the local organizations.
At the end of the campaign, votes are tallied and grants are awarded as follows:
- First place, $5,000
- Second place, $1,000 to second place vote getter
- All other nominees, $250
Last year, about 3,500 teens were killed in crashes and thousands more have sustained life-altering injuries. Most of the crashes were preventable.
The primary cause of teen crashes is inexperience. However other contributing factors include distractions like texting, eating, drinking, overcrowding and loud music; impaired driving through alcohol and drug use; and drowsy driving. More than 50 percent of teens killed in crashes were not wearing seat belts, including passengers. Parents are encouraged to take an active and loving role in helping teens develop good driving skills.
