Our new CORE Group Member for North America, Ms Emily Reynolds has swung into full action in her new position and is already making great strides in expanding our Global Youth Network in her region. As a representative of NOYS, the National Organization for Youth Safety in America, Emily gives us an update on recent activites from the region.
Emily gives us an update from the North American region and recent activities held at her organization NOYS.
Youth Traffic Safety Month
Each May youth across the country unite during Global Youth Traffic Safety Month™ to focus on the leading cause of death for them and their peers: traffic related crashes. Global Youth Traffic Safety Month™ empowers youth to develop and lead traffic safety education projects and support law enforcement and affect legislation to protect teen drivers.
A picture from the Youth Summit in Washington DC
2013 Youth Traffic Safety – Youth Choice Awards Winners
According to National Highway Traffic Safety (NHTSA) data, in 2011 more than 3,600 youth in the United States aged 15–20 were killed in motor-vehicle crashes. Three out of the five deadliest days for youth on our nation’s highways occurred during the summer season. On two weekends alone in July, 99 youth died in car crashes.
Although youngpeople ages 15-24 represent only 14% of the U.S. population, they account for 30% ($19 billion) of the total costs of motor vehicle injuries among malesand 28% ($7 billion) of the total costs of motor vehicle injuries among females. Motor vehicle crashes are the number one cause of death and injury amongyouth in this country.This is a crisis that needs our nation’s attention. Many organizations, legislative leaders and business leaders are working collaboratively to spread awareness, make our roads safer, and ultimately save the lives of teen drivers.
Other activities including the Long Short Walk and Roll with NOYS
To recognize the outstanding efforts of these leaders working to make a difference in youth traffic safety, National Organizations for Youth Safety (NOYS) youth leaders honor nonprofit organizations, business and industry leaders, and individual representatives with the annual NOYS Youth Choice Awards. NOYS youth are presenting the NOYS Youth Choice Awards as part of the 2013 Global Youth Traffic Safety Month on May 8, 2013 at the Jefferson Memorial in Washington, DC.
The winners included:
Individual Leaders:
– National Transportation Safety Board Chairman Deborah Hersman
– Make Roads Safe North American DirectorDr. Bella Dinh-Zar- Business and Industry Leader:– Ford Driving Skills for Life
- Media Outreach Leader:– TeenVogue
- Non-Profit Organization Leader:– Ad Council
You can read more about this in the attachments.