Boys & Girls Clubs of the West Valley, UPS Foundation for safety

In recognition of National Teen Driver Safety Week, October 17-23, and in an effort to keep roads safe here in California, Boys & Girls Club of the West Valley is offering a safe driving (virtual) program to teens in the area, as motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death among teens. The UPS Road Code program is led by volunteer UPS instructors and teaches teen attendees tips and techniques in both the classroom and through virtual reality.

A UPS Road Code graduate, Daniela P., West Valley native, is this year’s UPS Road Code ambassador for the Club and she has put what she learned in the program into practice. A few years ago, she took the Road Code program quiz, and although she had a lot of fun with the examples, Daniela acknowledged her first time on the driving simulator was a learning experience she was lucky to have. She is proud that she can regularly, “spits facts on safe driving,” and knows how to handle the aftermath of a car accident.

Not too long after participating in UPS Road Code, Daniela got into a car accident with her aunt. As they were returning home from a normal day, out of nowhere, a car swerved and skidded into them. Although this was shocking, Daniela knew how to handle the situation. Through gained knowledge, Daniela knew to stay calm, take pictures of the accident, exchange insurance information and contact information. When the dust settled from this startling event, Daniela became a huge advocate of the UPS Road Code program and safe driving.

“I’m constantly trying to implement what I learned from UPS Road Code,” said Daniela. “I remind my dad to put on his seatbelt, I tell friends to slow down, and I send them texts to not drink and drive. Although I don’t have my license yet, the program gave me a chance to amplify my voice and impact kids at the Club and educate more people – older and younger – even my parents. Now, I can say something that could potentially help save someone’s life.”

UPS Road Code is a program offered at Boys & Girls Club of the West Valley that is free and open to all area youth. Those who attend this program can enjoy special savings on Auto & Home Insurance from Liberty Mutual Insurance as an added bonus. In addition, youth can test their driving knowledge through an online UPS Road Code quiz based on the program curriculum at https://roadcodereportcard.com/.

For further tips and information, check out the Program Page.