More than 175 students from eight Alabama schools gathered at the University of North Alabama on Tuesday for the UrKeys2Drv (Your Keys to Drive) Teen Driving Safety Summit. The event brought together students, safety experts and first responders for a day of interactive activities and educational sessions.
The need for this kind of event is clear. Vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for teenagers in the United States. Even more concerning, Alabama ranks fifth in the nation for teen traffic fatalities. The summit aims to equip young drivers with the tools and knowledge needed to stay safe on the road.
The UrKeys2Drv safety summits provide students with valuable lessons about driving safely. State Farm sponsors the event in partnership with Drive Safe Alabama, Children’s of Alabama, Safe Kids Alabama, the Alabama Department of Transportation, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, the ASF Foundation, the Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control Board, the Lutzie 43 Foundation and local emergency medical services.
Breakout Sessions
Breakout sessions provided students with hands-on experiences demonstrating the real-life consequences of risky driving behaviors. Highlights include:
- Drive Safe Alabama – A behind-the-wheel simulation with goggles that mimic the effects of alcohol and marijuana, offering students a realistic look at how impairment affects reaction time and decision-making.
- The ED and Beyond – Presented by Children’s of Alabama, this session gives students an inside look at emergency room procedures following a crash, with demonstrations on medical equipment and a chance for students to act like doctors and nurses in an Emergency Room.
- The Power of You(th) – Hosted by Mothers Against Drunk Driving and the Alabama ABC Board, this session highlights the long-term impact of decisions involving alcohol and substance use.
- Alabama Teen Driver Quiz – This is a game-show style session that tests students on topics such as car insurance, the state’s Graduated Driver License law and teen driving trends.
Participating Schools
- Phil Campbell High School
- Lauderdale County High School
- Vina High School
- Essential Church School
- Red Bay High School
- Tanner High School
- Lee High School
- James Clemens High School
- East Lawrence High School
