Continuing its commitment to advancing educational opportunities in Chattanooga, the Urban League of Greater Chattanooga is hosting a National Achievers Society (NAS) teen driving education event this Saturday, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Urban League’s office.
According to the National Safety Council, 1,600,000 accidents are caused by a texting driver, which results in 11 teen deaths every day. Teenagers at the event will learn the importance and implications of texting while driving and other safe driving habits.
“The dangers of texting while driving are very real,” said Mary Edwards, education director of the Urban League of Greater Chattanooga. “Research shows that drivers who text while driving are 23 times more likely to crash. This makes it imperative for us to reach out to teenagers on how to become better users of the road.”
The free, public NAS event will include demonstrations, simulations, presentations and question and answer sessions and was made possible through partnerships between the Urban League of Greater Chattanooga, the Tennessee Valley Federal Credit Union, Haman Driving School, WRCB-TV, Dish "T" Pass, Erlanger Hospital and the Hamilton County Coalition.
Besides educating teenagers and their parents on better driving skills, the event will also include an opportunity to set up a free bank account with Tennessee Valley Federal Credit Union. To take advantage of this offer, participants 16 older will need to bring $5 cash or check, their social security card and a government-issued photo ID. For those under the age of 16, $5 cash or check, a social security card, a birth certificate copy and a parent are needed to set up a joint account. Once the account is opened, participants will be eligible to receive a 10 percent discount for Haman's Driving School. Students will also have the opportunity to sign up for a monthly drawing for free driving lessons.
The National Achievers Society is a National Urban League academic honors society that recognizes high school students who maintain a B average and have earned recognition for exceptional achievement in the arts or community service. Students in the program gain leadership skills, receive ACT and SAT test preparation and are exposed to various opportunities in a wide range of job markets. For more information about the event or the NAS, visit www.ulchatt.net.