Sponsored by Jefferson Telecom and MacDonald Insurance
Jefferson Telecom and MacDonald Insurance have partnered to sponsor a distracted driving education program and simulator for the Greene County High School students. The Arrive Alive Tour® from UNITE will visit Greene County High School Monday, May 9, for the entire school day.
Using a cellular phone, for messaging or conversation, is a common distraction while driving. According to AAA, distracted driving accounts for 25 to 50 percent of all accidents. According to www.distraction.gov, in 2014 3,179 people were killed and 431,000 were injured in motor vehicle crashes involving distracted drivers.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says that 10 percent of all drivers ages 15-19 involved in fatal crashes were reported as being distracted at the time of the crash. This age group has the largest proportion of distracted drivers at the time of a crash.
MacDonald Insurance, with offices in Scranton and Jefferson, believes education is the first step towards prevention and wants to raise awareness in the community.
Jefferson Telecom, as a cellular provider, has a strong desire to better educate the youth in Greene County about the seriousness of distracted driving.
All students will have the opportunity to “drive” a virtual reality simulator and then receive an evaluation of their driving skills while using their cell phones.
UNITE brings health and wellness programs to high schools, colleges, and communities across the nation. Its programs are designed to heighten awareness to the dangers and consequences of distracted driving. These events have a powerful impact on students to reinforce the subjects that schools and parents teach them daily.
Persons who want more information about UNITE can call Patrick DeGrasse at 888-436-3394.
