First Team Collision

What is SADD and Why Is it Good for Kids and Parents?

When it comes to informing teens about driving safety here in  Chesapeake ,  VA  and countrywide, anti-texting and drinking and driving, you might already be aware of some of the initiatives taken by SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions).

This nationwide youth health and safety organization said it helps teens learn how to make healthy and safe and sound life decisions and become positive peer mentors in their respective schools and communities. Here are some facts about SADD from all of us at  First Team Collision .

Established in 1981 as Students Against Driving Drunk, SADD’s original mission was to help teens say no to drinking and driving. Over the years, the mission has expanded and the organization changed its name. It now seeks “to empower young people to successfully confront the risks and pressures that challenge them throughout their daily lives” through education, advocacy and lobbying in Washington D.C.

Headquartered in Marlborough, Massachusetts, SADD consists of thousands of student-run chapters across the United States. They focus on peer-to-peer educational training, events, local and national campaigns and leadership opportunities.

Some areas they focus on include traffic safety, substance abuse and personal health and safety. Two of the biggest concerns in regards to traffic safety are distracted driving and impaired driving.

Distracted Driving

It can be challenging enough for novice drivers to give their full attention to the road and avoid potential hazards.

Distracted driving is more than simply texting and driving. It also includes using cell phones, reaching or looking for something, grooming and moving to music.

According to SADD, one of the leading causes of distracted driving for teens is when they interact with others in the car. To reduce distractions, the organization recommends limiting the number of passengers in the vehicle, adjusting air conditioning, mirrors, radio and other vehicle controls before driving and putting your cell phone out of reach.

Impaired Driving

Most teens know that driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol have serious consequences, not to mention they’re illegal.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there are more than 16,000 deaths, one million injuries, and $45 billion in costs due to impaired driving.

Although young drivers are less likely to drive after drinking alcohol than adults are, the risk of getting into an accident is higher due to inexperience.

SADD chapters work to educate teens about the effects of these behaviors, which include slow reaction time, altered depth perception, confusion and drowsiness, and being unaware of surroundings.

Underage drinking prevention programs are also offered by SADD to address this widespread program.

For more information about this amazing organization, visit www.sadd.org or call 508-481-3568.

Sources: SADD.org, CNN and Huffington Post