The Garland Youth Council teamed up with Garland area high schools for the second annual Teens in the Driver Seat Day at the Firewheel Town Center in Garland, Texas on March 7.
The day was full of safe driving activities, messages and fun. A total of seven booths were set up, five of which addressed the top five major crash-risks for teen driving.
The TDS programs of five Garland area high schools hosted the crash-risks booths.
- Driving at Night – The most popular booth was driving at night, where participants could put on “blacked-out science goggles” and run through a maze of cones. To make things even more difficult and to simulate other objects on the road, people ran past the “drivers” while they were in the maze.
- Distractions – Participants were asked to go through a maze of cones on Razor scooters while trying to text message on their cell phone.
- Speeding – To demonstrate how dangerous speeding can be, markers were placed all around the event center that showed how long it takes you to stop when driving at different speeds.
- Seat Belt Use – People who attended the event were encouraged to sign pledges promising to wear their seat belt. The Garland Police Department provided videos of people, who weren’t wearing their seat belt, being ejected from their cars.
- Drinking and Driving – The Garland Police Department provided “drunk goggles” and participants were asked to walk through a maze of cones while wearing them.
Local State Farm agent, Dee Dee Bates also had a booth set up with a Rock Band competition. Naaman Forest High School was the winner.
Thanks to all of those who came out to the second annual Teens in the Driver Seat Day. Mark your calendars for next year’s event March 6, 2010.