ITASCA, Ill., April 22, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National Safety Council is accepting nominations for its 2014 Teen Driving Safety Leadership Award. The award, made possible by a grant from the General Motors Foundation, recognizes individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to reducing car crashes involving teen drivers.  

"Car crashes are the leading cause of death for teens, and about half of all teens will be involved in a crash before they graduate from high school," said John Ulczycki, vice president of strategic initiatives at NSC. "Fortunately, we have individuals and organizations working at the grassroots, state and national levels to change the culture of teen driving. NSC wants to recognize those individuals and organizations that are helping us save lives."

Award winners will have clearly demonstrated the effectiveness of their programs or contributions, which may include the following efforts:

• Changing behaviors to reduce teen crashes using proven, evaluated methods
• Leading efforts to engage and educate teens, parents and/or communities about teen safe driving practices
• Advocating for policies based on the proven principles of Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL)

"We are proud to partner with the National Safety Council to present the 2014 Teen Driving Safety Leadership Award to those who work to reduce crashes involving teen drivers," said Mike Robinson, GM vice president, Sustainability and Global Regulatory Affairs, a board member of the General Motors Foundation. "It is of critical importance to recognize and spread the word of the leaders at every level who are making a significant impact in increasing safety awareness."

Nominations for the Teen Driving Safety Leadership Award will be accepted through June 20, 2014. Individuals and organizations may nominate others and/or themselves. Winners will receive national recognition at the 2014 NSC Congress & Expo this September in San Diego. To nominate an individual or organization, or for more information, please visit nsc.org/teenaward.

This is the sixth year NSC has presented the Teen Driving Safety Leadership Awards. In 2013, the Teen Driving Safety Leadership Award was presented to Impact Teen Drivers, Beth Schuerman from the Alaska Injury Prevention Center, and the Traffic Safe Communities Network of Santa Clara County, Cali.  A full list of past winners can be found at nsc.org/teenaward.   

About the National Safety Council
Founded in 1913 and chartered by Congress, the National Safety Council, nsc.org, is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to save lives by preventing injuries and deaths at work, in homes and communities, and on the road through leadership, research, education and advocacy. NSC advances this mission by partnering with businesses, government agencies, elected officials and the public in areas where we can make the most impact – distracted driving, teen driving, workplace safety, prescription drug overdoses and Safe Communities.

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SOURCE National Safety Council