State Farm Awards Ionia County Youth Advisory Council a $20,000 Grant

Ionia, Michigan-Ionia County Community Foundation Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) was recently awarded $20,000 of grant funding by the State Farm Companies Foundation to educate peers on the importance of safe driving. The number one killer of teenagers is car accidents and motor vehicle fatalities. The funding will allow YAC to provide teen driver safety activities culminating in the Strive 2 Arrive Alive (S2AA) teen driver safety conference in October 2024 at Celebration Cinema North for peers in West Michigan. YAC member’s mission is to save one life. The dollars awarded allow them to pursue their goal.

“Ionia County Community Foundation YAC is pleased to receive this grant award and put it towards teen driver safety to create a meaningful impact for teen driving in West Michigan. The impact is greater on teens because it is a peer-to-peer program. Teens listen to other teens,” said Deborah Wagner, Ionia Countywide YAC Advisor. There were 473,443 licensed drivers ages 15-20 who represent 6.7 percent of Michigan's driving population. The drivers in this age group represented 10.3 percent (41,685) of drivers in all crashes and 7.7 percent (126) in fatal crashes (Michigan Traffic Crash Facts).

Teen drivers have a higher rate of fatal crashes, mainly because of their immaturity, lack of skills, and lack of experience. Teen drivers speed, make mistakes, and get distracted easily especially if their friends are in the car. “The Strive 2 Arrive Alive Teen Driver Safety Conference is a valuable experience for our area teens and future drivers. They are exposed to many aspects of their new driving experience and some major concerns they need to be vividly aware of. The conference allows future drivers to gain insight into possible challenges. As an agent, I’m grateful that State Farm sponsors it and proud to be a part of it,” said Tom Wilcox, State Farm agent.

Ionia County Community Foundation YAC members see firsthand the need to address teen driver safety. Every YAC member can share a story about one of their friends who has been in an accident. The Strive 2 Arrive Alive Conference in the fall is an opportunity for teens to learn and practice safe driving. For example, simulators at the conference will provide situational experiences that teens will learn and practice a correct response like a deer running out in front of a car. Situational awareness is crucial for road safety as it helps drivers recognize and react to potential dangers in time. It enables drivers to anticipate the actions of others, respond to changes in road conditions, and avoid accidents. (Drivingschool.com). Conference attendance is open to all high school students in West Michigan.

Strive 2 Arrive Alive is an interactive event. Speakers share real stories connecting with teens, simulators available to teach and test drivers about hazardous situations, evidence-based strategies, statistics, and facts about distracted and careless driving completed creatively and effectively. YAC members' goal is to have attendees lead with peer-to-peer messaging that engages, educates, and empowers students in their schools and communities.