This single 45-minute lesson for 2nd-6th grade students was created to give kids in the backseat the tools to respectfully and effectively speak up if their driver is distracted. Help to bring this program to students in your community to make the roads safer for everyone - both in the moment and in the future when these kids get their license.
Example of how to use non-confrontational language when speaking up to a parent who is driving distracted
Distracted driving has been at epidemic proportions for a number of years and despite many campaigns there has been no substantial decrease in crashes, injuries and deaths. End Distracted Driving (EndDD.org) and Safe Roads Alliance hope to change that with “Kids Speaking up for Road Safety,” our distracted driving lesson plans for grades 2-3,4-5 and 6. These lesson plans were developed in consultation with teachers, elementary education content developers, child psychologists and SEL experts. Our program consists of a single 45-minute lesson plan, which is in Powerpoint, pdf, or webinar format. There are also fun supplemental cross-curricular activities that can be used if time permits. We will work with municipal leaders (or your police department and school leaders) to provide training and materials for teachers to give the lessons themselves or, depending on your location, we can organize assemblies and we can present to the students. All materials are provided at no cost.
The lesson plan will help you teach students about distractions in general, the problems that multi-tasking can cause, and how kids can recognize when their drivers are distracted. Based on teacher input, we created an animated character, “Sam,” a meerkat who helps guide students through the lessons. Sam also helps teach students about the use of “I” statements as a respectful and effective way to let caregivers know of their concerns about being driven by a distracted driver. We also include discussion about other risky driving situations, the importance of wearing a seatbelt, and why kids under 13 should ride in the backseat. The lesson plans are supported by three animated videos. Students will learn communication skills necessary to help their parents/caregivers drive safer. By teaching students about distracted driving long before they get their drivers’ licenses, we can create a generation of safer drivers.
You can find research results on our MA programs to date here.
