COUNCIL BLUFFS, IOWA (August 15, 2023) — A grant awarded by AAA — The Auto Club Group Foundation will allow SAFE (Seatbelts Are for Everyone) Iowa the opportunity to continue their work with young drivers (ages fourteen to seventeen) across the state of Iowa. The $10,000 grant has already made impact in the growth of the program over the past year. Growing the number of participating schools from four in 2021 — nineteen in 2023. With the new school year approaching, and a number of new drivers on the roads, the information provided by SAFE will prepare students for the road to school and school activities.
The funds from the grant will support:
- Reducing motor vehicle crashes and fatalities through increase seatbelt use among teens;
- Increasing education reach for youth ages fourteen to seventeen;
- Developing local partnerships with law-enforcement and traffic-safety advocates; and
- Reaching the goal of engaging 11,000 students and 25 schools across the state.
The Auto Club Group Foundation mission is to support programs like SAFE that are working to increase efforts in the areas of traffic safety, seatbelt use and impaired and distracted driving. Working with young drivers like SAFE is doing helps make our roads safer for all drivers. Driver-education and -awareness to the many dangers that exist when behind the wheel help all of us when we hit the road.
Cathy Slade, SAFE Program Specialist says, “the goal of SAFE is to increase seatbelt use among students along with providing other strong traffic safety messages throughout the school year. With the support of AAA and their efforts promoting traffic safety, we can, and will, ensure our young drivers are better-prepared for the road.”
“Getting behind the wheel as a teen brings on a new level of excitement,” says Brian Ortner, Public Affairs Specialist for AAA — The Auto Club Group, “when you can provide real life information on the importance of wearing a seatbelt and overall traffic safety, from peers, like the SAFE Iowa is doing, it can have significant impact on our young drivers.”
To learn more or to get your school signed up you can visit dccca.org/traffic-safety/iowa/ or contact AAA or contact local law enforcement.
About DCCCA Inc
DCCCA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit agency that coordinates programs to promote social and community services that improve the safety, health, and well-being of those we serve. After more than 45 years of service, DCCCA continues to improve the quality of life for adults, youth, and children.
About AAA — The Auto Club Group
The Auto Club Group (ACG) is the second-largest AAA club in North America with more than 13 million members across fourteen US states, the province of Quebec and two US territories. ACG and its affiliates provide members with roadside assistance, insurance products, banking and financial services, travel offerings and more. ACG belongs to the national AAA federation with more than 62 million members in the United States and Canada. AAA’s mission is to protect and advance freedom of mobility and improve traffic safety. For more information, get the AAA Mobile app, visit AAA.com, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
