Passenger Power at Washington Primary School

Students at Washington Primary School recently explored the shared responsibility of safety through an important library theme: Bus and Car Safety!

In library classes, students learned what it means to be safe, respectful, and responsible passengers. Using materials from Impact Teen Drivers, acquired by library media specialist Rebecca Kraus through her participation in injury prevention education program provided by Stony Brook University Hospital, students took part in engaging games and hands-on activities that reinforced key safety messages.

Impact Teen Drivers is a national non-profit organization dedicated to preventing reckless and distracted driving through education and empowerment. Their materials help students of all ages understand that everyone, including passengers, play a part in keeping rides safe.

The program helped students recognize how passengers can support drivers by keeping calm and focused. They discovered that even small distractions can take a driver’s eyes off the road and that they have both a choice and a voice in helping everyone stay safe. This is the “Washington Way!”

“Car crashes are the leading cause of death among children in the United States, but these deaths are preventable,” according to the Impact Teen Drivers website. “Thousands of children are at risk on the road because they are not buckled up or properly fastened in a child safety seat. Set your child up for success by developing life-long, positive and safe habits in the car.”