Graduated Drivers License Party Program Targets "At Risk" Youth

Project Characteristics Program Areas Targets hard-to-reach/at risk population Innovative approach Youth Programs Safe Communities Alcohol and Other Drugs Targeted Audience Jurisdiction Youth, ages 15½ - 16½ County

Goals

• Provide a useful compliment to the Graduated Licensing System
• Conduct Graduated Drivers License Parties at least twice each year, in a minimum of two county high schools
• Establish criteria for selecting participating high schools based on similarity in size and socioeconomic factors

Strategies

This program focused their efforts on developing a program to help teenagers who have recently received a GDL, reduce their risk of being injured or killed in a motor vehicle crash. Using a similar program in Kentucky as a model, the coalition developed the Graduated Drivers License Parties Program. The project utilized law enforcement officers and the health department staff to present a preventive/proactive message to youthful drivers on impaired driving, speed control, seat belt use and aggressive driving. Tenth grade students in each participating school received an invitation to participate in the 45-minute program, along with a packet of materials related to the program. Refreshments were served at the conclusion and participants were given a special key tag containing a compartment designed to hold a small amount of change. The change can be used to make a phone call if they find themselves in a situation where they are unable to drive.

Results

• In its pilot year the program was presented to 300 students attending high school
• Program will be expanded to include a parent component