High school students pledge to drive safely

Hundreds of high school students met in Colorado Springs to learn more about the dangers of distracted driving.

Drive Smart Colorado hosted its 27 th annual Traffic Safety Challenge Thursday morning.

Students learned about the importance of safe driving, and how quickly a car crash can change lives.

“The whole message is driver safety and prevention of tragedy,” said guest speaker Jo McGuire. “We heard stories of loss and we would really love to never have to face that again.”

Students watched videos and listened to presentations from parents who lost their children too soon.

“The videos are emotionally impactful and a lot of them are kind of graphic, said Palmer High School student Silas Carter. “It makes you really want to do your part to drive safely.”

The traffic safety program is completely student-led. Students will take part in seatbelt checks, driving demonstrations and video contests.

“I think that when kids see that it affects everybody, not just them, that really brings it home, and shows that they can get into a car accident as easily as everyone else,” Palmer High School student Shelby Faulkner said. “Wearing your seat belt and not texting while driving are things people sometimes forget.”