SALEM — Poquoson High School was one of a number of schools recognized for their efforts to educate students about driver and passenger safety as part of the statewide Arrive Alive – It’s a Whole Vibeinitiative.
According to Youth of Virginia Speak Out About Traffic Safety (YOVASO), 76 schools, middle schools, and youth groups participated in the campaign which aims to remind teens to buckle up and drive safely during the high-risk warm weather months in spring and summer.
“We are proud of these school clubs and youth groups for taking the lead in encouraging young drivers and passengers in their communities to buckle up, slow down and drive safely during this high-risk period,” said Mary King, YOVASO program manager.
The annual campaign, which runs throughout August, is sponsored by YOVASO, the Virginia State Police (VSP), the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Highway Safety Office, and State Farm.
Participating schools and youth groups competed for prizes by developing a creative project, completing call-to-action activities, and conducting pre and post seat belt checks to evaluate the campaign’s impact within their school or youth group community. Schools and youth groups also conducted a variety of activities, including coordinating safe driving programs with VCU Health’s Project Impact program. According to YOVASO, evaluations revealed a 4% increase in seat belt use from pre-campaign to post-campaign.
Arrive Alive High School winners:
- Liberty High School, Bedford Co., 1st Place
- Poquoson High School, Poquoson City, 2nd Place
- REACH Homeschool Group, Fredericksburg City, 3rd Place
Arrive Alive Middle School winners:
- Forest Middle School, Bedford Co., 1st Place
- Auburn Middle School, Montgomery Co., 2nd Place
As the statewide high school winner, Liberty High School will receive a check for $500. Poquoson High School will receive $250 and REACH Home School Group will receive $100. As the statewide middle school winner, Forest Middle School will receive $300 and Auburn Middle School will receive $200. All cash prizes are funded by State Farm.
YOVASO is encouraging schools and youth groups to continue promoting safe driving and passenger safety throughout the summer to address the continuing issues with speed and lack of seat belt use. Businesses and community members may also register for free buckle up/slow down vinyl banners, posters, and buckle up message cards by registering here.
For more information on the Arrive Alive- It’s a Whole Vibe campaign, contact Casey Taylor, Program Development Coordinator, at 540-739-4392 or visit yovaso.org/arrive-alive.
