Share the Drive: A Practical Guide for Community
Organizers
Research shows that teen drivers are involved in a disproportionally high number of crashes. Unfortunately, information on prevention strategies is scarce. "Share the Drive" is designed to provide this much-needed information.
Share the Drive
Make a difference: five simple steps
Reach people at the right time
Share the Drive
The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and State Farm Insurance Companies are taking a scientific approach to reducing young driver crashes. Our researchers are working directly with teens and adults involved in the driving experience to develop proven tools and systems for increased safety.
Share the Drive was created for the first-ever National Teen Driver Safety Week. The activities are adapted from effective, research-based public health programs for teens. Designed to be used year-round, they will help you drive the message home that teen crash injuries can be prevented.
These Share the Drive activities and methods are:
- Simple and practical. They are easy to put into action.
- Proven successful. These strategies have helped teens make better choices about their health and safety in other areas, such as smoking.
- Community-based. They are designed to activate individual teens and their parents, as well as entire communities to create a new teen driving norm.
- Teen-centered. These methods are based on real problems identified and defined by teen drivers across the country.
- Science-based. They are informed by the latest science and prioritized based on risk factors teens face when learning to drive.
Make a difference: five simple steps
You can make a difference in preventing teen crashes and saving teens' lives. Everything you need to get started is found on this Web site. These Share the Drive activities are designed to maximize your time, energy, and resources.
Remember, making a difference begins with talking about an issue.
- Know the facts about teen driving crashes and deaths. Share the following accurate information.
The Whole Truth About Teen Driving
National Teen Driver Survey Results
Additional facts and statistics - Reach people at the right time. This is when people are ready to listen.
- Start small and build your information network. First talk to your family, friends, and neighbors. When you're ready, use some of these easy, practical, and fun Share the Drive community activities.
- Keep your message simple and consistent.
- Make a difference by going beyond awareness. Act now.
Share the Drive Practice Log
Share the Drive Pledge Wall
Reach people at the right time
You need to reach people when they are receptive. Be ready with a short message for that right time.
You can prepare by following the "five simple steps" above. Then, keep your eyes and ears open for the right times to act. You know your children, parents, family, and community best, but here are some suggestions to get you started.
Good times to raise the topic:
- Learn ideas on how to reach people from the first ever National Teen Driver Safety Week (October 15-20, 2007). Get something organized to happen during the next National Teen Driver Safety Week (October 19-25, 2008) Take the time to have your group plan future Share the Drive activities.
- When a teen crash hits close to home. Unfortunately, sometimes it takes a tragedy to spur action.
- Whenever a group of parents or teens meet. Make it a priority to mention safe driving in your conversation.
- At community meetings or events. Talk about safe driving at Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), Home and School, religious group, and community meetings, as well as at sporting events and school assemblies.
- Come back to this site often. We continually refine and add to these Share the Drive tools to provide you with a year-round, up-to-date resource for building awareness in your community.
