On October 1st, United South Central High School sophomores attended an impactful presentation led by Annette Larson, the State Toward Zero Deaths Program and Operations Director. The presentation was part of the Minnesota Toward Zero Deaths (TZD) initiative. This is a collaborative effort supported by the Minnesota Departments of Transportation, Public Safety, and Health and is focused on reducing fatalities and serious injuries on the state's roadways. Working closely with the Faribault County TZD Safe Roads Coalition, Ms. Larson emphasized the importance of local action in supporting teen driver education.
The program is partnering with Impact Teen Drivers, an evidence-based educational campaign dedicated to stopping the number one killer of teens: car crashes. The session highlighted the dangers of reckless and distracted driving, excessive speed, and impaired driving, while also promoting responsible behavior as both drivers and passengers. With support from the Minnesota State Patrol, the presentation encouraged students to reflect on the life-or-death choices made behind the wheel.
This was the first of two one-hour modules being offered to 10th grade students at USC. As Ms. Larson explained, “Car crashes are the number one killer of young people in America, and most of these crashes are 100% preventable based on the choices made inside the car.” Through education and awareness, the TZD and Impact Teen Drivers programs aim to not only reduce traffic-related deaths today but also build a culture of safe driving for generations to come.