Need for Control: Downshift

A Good Idea

Description

Need for Control: Down Shift is a peer-led project in 12 Sonoma County High Schools created to reduce morbidity and mortality from driving accidents among teens. Car crashes are the number 1 killer of teens in Sonoma County.

The project holds quarterly rallies or assemblies at each high school to promote driving safety. Students learn how to minimize distractions while they are driving and how to comply with the California Provisional Driver License Law that restricts teens aged 16-18 from driving with peers and from driving after 11 p.m. All attendants turning 16 receive a safe driving kit. The kit includes many tools and resources to help teens drive safely.

Goal / Mission

To prevent death and injury from car crashes among teens by reducing driving speed and driver distractions.

Results / Accomplishments

A formal evaluation of Project Downshift has not been conducted.

About this Promising Practice

Organization(s)
Provisional License Action Network (PLAN)
Primary Contact
Sonoma County Department of Health Services’ Prevention and Planning Division
(707) 565-6680
Topics
Health / Prevention & Safety
Organization(s)
Provisional License Action Network (PLAN)
Location
Sonoma
For more details
Target Audience
Teens