NORFOLK – Students at Norfolk Senior High School are advocating for driver safety in one of the lowest seatbelt use counties in Nebraska.
The Teens In The Driver Seat at Norfolk High has been recognized at the state and national levels for their leadership in promoting safe teen driving.
Norfolk High Senior Austin Truex says part of their responsibilities in the group include school-wide studies, presentations and coordinating with the National Teens in the Driver Seat organization in Texas.
“We have observations and post-obersavations during each semester and the numbers show that we are making an impact,” Truex says.
Cameron Sothan says programs like this can change a person’s view on driver safety.
“I have had my problems with driving, like any other teenager, but I feel like Teens in the Driver Seat has definitely impacted the way I drive.” Sothan says.
According to the Nebraska Department of Roads, observed seat belt use in Nebraska was 86% and Madison County was at 77%.
The group in Norfolk plans to hold a summit April 13th at Northeast Community College with the help of the Nebraska State Patrol, Union Pacific Railroad and the Nebraska Department of Heath and Human Services.
The summit is meant to educate students from around the area about safety on the road with demonstrations and presentations.
Those interested in attending the summit is required to register for free by April 1st. Contact Mark Claussen at [email protected] for details.
