Governor Nathan Deal has announced the formation of the Governor’s Commission on Teen Driving, a panel of Georgia teens who will advise state officials on innovative approaches that could reduce the number of crashes, injuries and deaths involving teen drivers.
Administered by the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety (GOHS), the commission will include 15 to 20 teen drivers selected from applications.
Drivers between the ages of 15 and 19 are being encouraged to apply for this opportunity because in Georgia, car crashes remain the number one cause of death for teenagers.
The teens selected to serve on the commission will prepare a report, advising the governor and other public safety officials in developing a statewide strategy, using non-traditional methods, to educate teen drivers on the risks and consequences of behaviors like texting and driving, distracted driving and alcohol-impaired driving. The ultimate goal will be to reduce the incidences of teen crashes, injuries and fatalities on Georgia highways.
“Governor Deal’s concern for the deaths and injuries to our youngest drivers is so evident and we are grateful for his commitment to make Georgia’s roads safer,” said GOHS Director Harris Blackwood.
The formation of the commission was also inspired by the recent passing of the new highway safety bill MAP-21. The bill allows for more emphasis on teen distracted driving. The commission will be one of several projects that will engage Georgia’s youth in the process of developing language that will appeal to teenagers throughout the state.
"We believe that no one can advise our state on how to reach teenagers better than teenagers,” said Director Blackwood. “This is a bold step that we believe will bring tremendous results."
Teen drivers can apply to the commission online by visiting the following link:Teen Driving Commission. Applicants are urged to read the Governor’s Commission on Teen Driving Terms and Conditions before submitting their application. If selected, members must be willing to serve a minimum one-year term.
All applications must be submitted online by Thursday, Sept. 20. For more information on the Governor’s Commission on Teen Driving, contact GOHS Planner Eshon Poythress by emailing her at epoythress@gohs.ga.gov or calling the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety at 404/656-6996.