NTDSW Highlights Demand for Safer Roads in California

Media Contact: Kevin Crudo (kevin@publicityforgood.com)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NTDSW Highlights Demand for Safer Roads in California New Poll from Root Insurance and SADD highlights the dangers teens face on roadways

October 18, 2021 (Sacramento, CA) – Today, Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) and Root Insurance call all motorists to prioritize safety during National Teen Driver Safety Week.

The California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) data shows that car crashes continue to be a leading cause of death for teens ages 16-24 in the Golden State. A new Zogby poll, commissioned by Root and SADD, shows that 64% of Californians are concerned about roadway safety, specifically distracted driving and its threat to their safety. The study further indicates that 64% of parents with children under 17 believe the problem has gotten worse in the past several years.

National Teen Driver Safety Week is a nationwide observance to call attention to the public health crisis of roadway fatalities. SADD works with a coalition of partners across the state to raise awareness on these issues with funding from the California Office of Traffic Safety and the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. SADD chapters in middle schools, high schools, and college campuses will hold awareness events for teens and parents throughout the week. SADD will feature the Passport for Safe Driving, a resource developed in partnership with National Road Safety Foundation to assist parents in coaching their teens to be safer drivers.

"Distractions, impairment, speed, recklessness, lack of seat belt, and inexperience — these behaviors are the leading causes of teen crashes in California, and they are 100% preventable," said Rick Birt, President & CEO of SADD. "We're honored to join with Root Insurance to raise awareness of these behaviors and what teens and adult allies can do to prevent crashes and save lives."

“Californians are right to be concerned with the real dangers posed by distracted driving,” said Kathy Mitchell, Director of Government Affairs for Root, Inc. “One innovative solution supported by California drivers is to tie driving ability to insurance rates so that drivers are incentivized to drive safely with lower rates. We know which tools will make our roads safer, we just need to implement them. Californians can rest assured SADD is working tirelessly to deliver results.” Resources for students, parents, and community members can be found on the SADD website at www.sadd.org or your favorite social media platform.

About SADD For 40 years, SADD, the nation's premier youth health safety organization, has worked to empower teens, engage parents, mobilize communities, and change lives around the issues of traffic safety, substance abuse, and personal health and safety. Through a national network of peer-led chapters in middle schools, high schools, and colleges, SADD equips students with the resources they need to advocate for change in their communities. Join the movement by visiting www.sadd.org and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram.

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