Advocating for Traffic Safety

 Items Needed

• Guide for Peer Leaders Advocating for Traffic Safety
• Copies of activity reports like Annual Surveys, Zero Hero, Walkability Tour, and Sleep Shocker
• Something to write with (pen/pencil)
• Laptop/Computer with internet access

 Steps

1. Gather your team, a class of students, or work on this individually.
2. Print copies of the Guide with worksheets to give to each person or group.
3. Print copies of your data results such as your school survey results, Zero Hero, and/or Walkability Tour (you could use last year’s data).
4. Spend an hour or a few class times to go through the guide and fill out each worksheet.
5. Once the guide is filled out, plan to contact a “Key Player” such as your superintendent or city council member.
6. Try to get a meeting with them to discuss possibly finding funds to implement your safety idea, which will be backed by your data and discussion with peers.
7. If you get a meeting with a Key Player or an opportunity to present your ideas, use our “Tips for Communicating with Local and Elected Officials” document, plus practice your elevator speech.

Don’t Forget

• Use the data to support your recommendation for improvement.
• Practice what you’ll say to this Key Player. Doing practice sessions with your peers could help.
• Communicate with your teacher/advisor your plans and needs to communicate with the administration. They could be your ally and even contact people on your behalf.
• Keep copies of your teams’ work and take pictures to submit with your activity form.
• Working through the guide and getting one meeting may not be the end of this endeavor. Do your best to see through your ideas by following up with your Key Player and finding other champions for your cause.

Additional Resources

• Youth-led groups taking action for road safety and calling for change: Vision Zero for Youth
• Stories: Vision Zero for Youth
• Tactical Urbanism Guide – low-cost, short-term approaches to improve safety
• Improving School Zone Safety: 3 Proven, Low-Cost Solutions

 Make it GREAT

• Document your progress and share it on social media to inspire others. Don’t forget to tag us @teensdriverseat!
• If you’re able to succeed with your desired changes, contact your local media so they can share news about your great work in your community.