Comprehensive Underage Drinking Prevention Project
Program Objective:
To replicate model comprehensive community programs designed to reduce impaired driving and underage consumption of alcohol.
Program Description:
In 1991, Congress directed the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to develop a model comprehensive program in the Washington, D.C., area to reduce underage drinking and impaired driving. The approach included policy development, prevention and enforcement activities, and media coverage. The multiyear project was successfully completed in 1995. A grant was awarded to the National Association of Governors' Highway Safety Representatives to replicate this program in five sites.
Sites:
Detroit, Michigan; Omaha, Nebraska; Austin, Texas; Salt Lake City, Utah; and Richmond County, Virginia.
Agency Contact:
James B. Wright
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
U.S. Department of Transportation
400 Seventh Street SW., Room 5130
Washington, DC 20590
202-366-2724
Program Objective:
To implement and evaluate components of State graduated licensing systems for young, novice drivers.
Program Description:
Grants were awarded to five States to upgrade their present licensing systems for youth to include recommended components of graduated licensing. Graduated licensing is a three-stage system in which young drivers are gradually introduced to full license status. Typical components include a period of violation-free driving, nighttime restrictions, zero tolerance of alcohol, required seat belt use, parental involvement, and quick remedial action. After implementation, the States will evaluate effectiveness of the components initiated.
Sites:
Project States are Alaska, Florida, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Vermont.
Agency Contact:
Lori Miller
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
U.S. Department of Transportation
400 Seventh Street SW., Room 5130
Washington, DC 20590
202-366-9835
Program Objective:
To develop program information, training, and technical assistance for the promotion of Teen Court programs.
Program Description:
A grant was awarded to the American Probation and Parole Association to identify existing Teen Court programs, assess their applicability to adjudication of traffic and alcohol violations, and develop program materials and technical assistance. Although traffic and alcohol offenses are responsible for a significant percentage of teenage deaths and injuries, they are frequently thought of as "less serious" and slight attention is given to offenders. Teen Courts are a way to get these cases heard and take significant remedial action. Peer Justice and Youth Empowerment: An Implementation Guide for Teen Court Programs (Handbook For Teen Court) contains information on how to implement a Teen Court.
Sites:
Regional training in three locations and technical assistance in a minimum of three sites will be conducted this year. Training has been completed in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Agency Contact:
James B. Wright
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
U.S. Department of Transportation
400 Seventh Street SW., Room 5130
Washington, DC 20590
202-366-2724
Program Objective:
To provide visibility and support for student efforts to promote youth safety.
Program Description:
The recently formed National Organization for Youth Safety (NOYS) comprises more than 30 national organizations that promote youth safety activities. A grant was awarded to Students Against Driving Drunk (SADD) to hire a project coordinator on behalf of NOYS. NOYS members decided to initiate a joint project in which all member organizations could participate. Strides for Safety is a national project conducted State by State. NOYS State affiliates plan and implement a march or rally by students in April in support of youth safety issues deemed important to that State. Last year more than 20 States participated in NOYS. In Connecticut, for example, a student rally was instrumental in convincing the Governor to sign a zero tolerance law.
Sites:
All 50 States are targeted to convene a planning team that will plan and implement a Strides for Safety event.
Agency Contact:
James B. Wright
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
U.S. Department of Transportation
400 Seventh Street SW., Room 5130
Washington, DC 20590
202-366-2724
Program Objective:
To reduce recidivism among juvenile impaired-driving offenders.
Program Description:
The Corrective Behavior Institute (CBI) developed a successful program in San Diego and other California communities in which juveniles convicted of impaired driving offenses "visit" coroners' offices, hospital units, and other facilities that demonstrate the consequences of impaired-driving crashes. An educational component was also developed. A grant was awarded for CBI to work with the American Trauma Society to replicate this program in six sites throughout the country.
Sites:
Not determined.
Agency Contact:
James B. Wright
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
U.S. Department of Transportation
400 Seventh Street SW., Room 5130
Washington, DC 20590
202-366-2724