The Century Council, International Association Of Chiefs Of Police, National Sheriffs' Association, National Organizations For Youth Safety Launch National Teen Driver Safety Program To Kick Off Global Youth Traffic Safety Month™

ARLINGTON, Va., May 1, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In recognition of Global Youth Traffic Safety Month ™, The Century Council, an independent national not-for-profit funded by distillers dedicated to fighting drunk driving and underage drinking, launched IKnowEverything nationally today. Developed to prepare teens to be safe when they get behind the wheel, IKnowEverything is an integrated effort that highlights the issues of drunk driving and distracted driving, and reiterates to parents that they have the most influence on their teen's driving behaviors.

"Teens are overly confident and think they're invincible, especially when it comes to driving. We see this far too often on our nation's highways, and it is often too late," said Craig Steckler, President, International Association of Chiefs of Police.

Aaron Kennard, Executive Director of the National Sherriffs' Association said, "Most parents have years of driving experience and feel they are qualified instructors to teach safe driving. Driving instructors and law enforcement need to work in tandem with those who care about the kids the most: their parents."

"In that vein, IKnowEverything aims to prompt thoughtful conversations between parents and their teens to keep everyone safe on our roadways. The modern teen is engaged, involved, and our members want to be leaders in their communities.  I have no doubt that this program will save lives and raise awareness," said Sandy Spavone, Executive Director of the National Organizations for Youth Safety.

The IKnowEverything program consists of an engaging, fast-paced animated video featuring a teen's voiceover who suggests that teens "Know Everything." For example:

• I know not to drink alcohol and drive, it's dangerous, illegal, and just plain stupid 
• I know not to text and drive
• I know my parents can take away my keys anytime
• I know I need to pay attention 100% of the time while driving

Further, the IKnowEverything program has a website (www.IKnowEverything.com) with downloadable information for students and parents as well as a facilitator's guide for teen driver safety practitioners, including Judges. This user-friendly site makes it easy for users to raise awareness and share the information via email as well as on Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest.

"Teen driving is a safety topic I am well-acquainted with as the father of two teen drivers.  The Century Council realized there was a need for well-researched and updated resources to capture the attention of today's teens, and highlight the dangers of unsafe driving behaviors," said Ralph Blackman, President and CEO of The Century Council. "With this program we hope to contribute to the conversation in an impactful way and connect parents and their teen drivers because they are, after all, the leading influence on their teen."

Underage drinking and illegal drinking and driving among teens are down, yet motor vehicle crashes remain the leading cause of death among 15-20 year olds; in 2010, 1,997 teen drivers were killed on our nation's roadways and further, young drivers killed 1,191 passengers.  Parents still have the overwhelming power to influence their kids not to drink underage.  Today, 83% of youth ages 10-18 years old cite parents as the leading influence on their decision not to drink at all, or to not drink on occasion.  Further, a survey conducted by The Century Council of matched pairs of teens and their parents showed that parents are the most important instructors and disseminators for information about driver safety.  Parents must model good behavior and set limits for their teen. 

Stay in Touch
Follow the IKnowEverything program on social media:
www.IKnowEverything.com
www.twitter.com/IKnowEverything
https://www.facebook.com/pages/IKnowEverything/350387855003321
http://pinterest.com/CenturyCouncil/i-know-everything/

The Century Council
The Century Council, is a national not-for-profit leader in the fight to eliminate drunk driving and underage drinking and is funded by the following distillers: Bacardi U.S.A., Inc.; Beam, Inc.; Brown-Forman; Constellation Brands, Inc.; DIAGEO; Hood River Distillers, Inc.; and Pernod Ricard USA. Headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, The Century Council promotes responsible decision making regarding beverage alcohol and develops and implements innovative programs and public awareness campaigns which ignite action through strategic partnerships. Established in 1991, The Century Council's initiatives are highlighted on its website at www.centurycouncil.org.

Contact: Darron Moffatt, The Century Council
[email protected] or (202) 637-0077

SOURCE The Century Council