Boise, ID., January 3, 2011 – Car crashes remain the leading cause of death for American teens, despite increased awareness of the importance of seat belt use and the dangers of distracted driving.
For a fifth straight year, high school students across Idaho are encouraged to fight this epidemic through State Farm’s “Shift Into Safety” grant program.
Many fatal crashes involving young people are caused by simple driver error. Inexperience and immaturity are key factors.
Under Shift Into Safety, students design and carry out campaigns to educate their classmates and community about the risks young drivers face - and how to reduce them.
The best campaigns earn grants of up to $5,000.
Since it was launched, over 90 high schools in State Farm’s Pacific Northwest Zone – Alaska, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington -- have worked to improve teen driver safety. Students have tackled speeding, cell phones, seat belts and distractions.
Among 16-17 year olds, the main cause of teen driver crashes is inexperience mixed with either distractions, speeding or drunk driving, or some combination of these factors.
“With Shift Into Safety, we want young people to work together in their school community to become better, safer drivers,” said State Farm public affairs specialist Maria Ventura.
Students can organize themselves within a particular class, a student club, or as individuals simply coming together for a common cause. Each concept must clearly outline a plan for reducing crashes among teen drivers. Public and private high schools within Idaho are eligible.
Applications are being accepted now. Projects must be implemented by the end of the school year. For details, contact: Maria Ventura at (253) 912-6459.
The online application and program rules are available at: www.grantrequest.com/SID_1043?SA=SNA&FID=35147.
Maria Ventura, State Farm Insurance at (253) 912-6459.
State Farm insures more cars than any other insurer in North America and is the leading U.S. home insurer. State Farm's 17,000 agents and 68,000 employees serve over 75 million auto, fire, life and health policies in the United States and Canada, and more than 1.7 million bank accounts. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company is the parent of the State Farm family of companies. State Farm is ranked No. 31 on the Fortune 500 list of largest companies. For more information, please visit statefarm.com®.
