Young Driver Safety Program
The safety and education of young drivers is becoming a nationwide priority as the incidents of young drivers involved in traffic accidents and fatalities are occurring far too frequently. The St. Mary’s County Public Schools has joined with many community partners in an effort to specifically address this issue through enhanced education and awareness of our students. Staff research was conducted with the purpose of developing recommendations for implementing a Young Drivers Safety Initiative in all St. Mary’s County Public Schools.
As a result of the research and meetings a five point plan has been developed for implementation beginning with the school year 2008-2009:
- All students requesting a St. Mary’s County Public Schools’ parking permit for parking at designated schools will be required to view a school based audio/visual presentation specifically addressing young driver high-risk behaviors.
- All students requesting a St. Mary’s County Public School’s parking permit for parking at designated schools will be required to sign a safe driving contract.
- All students requesting a St. Mary’s County Public School’s parking permit for parking at designated schools will be encouraged to register their vehicle with the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office "S.T.O.P.P.E.D. Program", Sheriff’s Telling Our Parents & Promoting Educated Drivers.
- All St. Mary’s County Public School’s secondary students will be required to attend a one hour student assembly on young drivers who were involved in traffic fatalities.
- The St. Mary’s County Public School’s will reinforce the importance of this program through public media releases and public service announcements.