Brain Injury Alliance Receives Support From New Jersey Education Association (NJEA) To Help Launch 5th Annual Teen Safe Driving Contest
Statewide contest encourages New Jersey high school students and teachers to become teen safe driving advocates
NORTH BRUNSWICK, N.J., Oct. 29, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Brain Injury Alliance of New Jersey (BIANJ) is proud to announce that New Jersey Education Association (NJEA) has awarded a $15,000 grant to support the Alliance's 5th Annual 'U Got Brains Champion Schools Program' – a contest challenging New Jersey high school students and teachers to develop fun and interactive campaigns aimed at educating teens about the importance of safe driving.
This is the first year NJEA has sponsored this peer to peer program, which helps empower students to take a positive approach in addressing the number one cause of death and disability among teens.
"While other issues grab our attention, the reality is that driving remains the greatest risk teens face," states Wendy Berk, BIANJ's Public Education Coordinator. "BIANJ is proud to partner with NJEA in our shared commitment to keep our teens safe."
"As a BIANJ trustee and as a mother, I know all too well of the dangers facing our teen drivers," said Marie Blistan, NJEA vice president. "As a teacher, I also know that educating teens about these dangers is an important step in maintaining their safety and avoiding future injuries."
Over the last four years, over 100 high schools in all 21 counties throughout the state developed campaigns addressing every aspect of teen safe driving through powerful public service announcements and music videos, to the invention of a cellphone "safe box" that disables a car's radio until the driver's cellphone is locked inside the box. You can check out previous years' projects at http://ugotbrains.com/see-2014-participants.
"We are pleased that the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute (CHOP) has confirmed that this program is making an impact on safe driving behaviors " states Barbara Geiger-Parker, BIANJ's President and CEO. "The messages and projects these students have created pave the way for turning the tide and making our teens safer."
This year's deadline for schools to apply is November 14, 2014. To learn more or apply, visit www.ugotbrains.com/champion-schools.
CONTACT: Jon Kinsella, 732-745-0200, [email protected]
SOURCE Brain Injury Alliance of New Jersey
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