NSC, GM Create Teen Driving Safety Leadership Awards
The National Safety Council is launching a new Teen Driving Safety Leadership Awards program sponsored by General Motors that will recognize organizations and individuals who have made exceptional contributions to reducing the rate of accidental injuries and death among teen drivers. The council will present at least three of the awards annually, beginning at the 2009 National Safety Congress in Orlando, Fla., in October 2009.
The awards program is open to teens, parents, community safety advocates, legislators, researchers, media, agencies and others who have applied proven methods to preventing motor vehicle crashes involving teens, such at Graduated Driving License laws, NSC says.
"Each year the United States witnesses more than 7,000 needless deaths and thousands more injuries involving teen drivers. The Council supports effective safety programs and recognizes those who employ injury prevention measures we know can work," said NSC President and CEO Janet Froetscher. "In conjunction with GM, we hope this new program will highlight successful efforts to prevent deaths and injuries on the road."
GM Vice President of Environment, Energy and Safety Policy Elizabeth Lowery added, "We are pleased to support the Council's launch of what can grow into a prestigious national recognition effort. We are proud to recognize safety leaders across the country that make a difference in their communities."
Award winners will reflect individuals and organizations that have taken actions that might include: advocacy, leadership, or coordination of an effort to adopt best practices; enactment of legislation based on proven safety methods; enhancement of public understanding of teen driving safety issues and prevention methods; and demonstration of a consistent, long-term commitment to teen driving safety leadership. Award nomination forms will be available at the National Safety Council Web site, NSC.org, beginning in October, 2008.