Teen RSA

Summer is traditionally the deadliest time for teen drivers as they spend more time on the road. As a community it is important we educate our teens on the dangers that exist when getting behind the wheel so they can make informed decisions while navigating our city’s streets. One way we are doing this is by creating strategies for driving success through the Teen Roadway Safety Advocates (TeenRSA) program.

The TeenRSA program was started as a way to engage youth in improving road safety near their schools and in their communities. The program is modeled after a process that has been used for years around the world to systematically look at roadway safety issues from a multi-disciplinary approach. Through this process, students not only learn about the roadway environment, but also about how drivers and other road users behave in those areas.

In performing road safety assessments, teams are formed to look at existing or potential roadway safety problems with a “fresh set of eyes,” often tapping into the personal knowledge of members of the community who may not have roadway or transportation expertise. In the TeenRSA Program, students equipped with cameras, measuring devices, clip boards and safety vests will look at roadways, bike paths, sidewalks, bus stops, and parking lots in and around their schools and neighborhoods. Working with the guidance of advisors from the Meridian Police Department, the youth teams collectively identify potential problems and document what they find, develop ideas for potential solutions, and advocate for improvements.

The majority of the high school students participating in Meridian’s initial TeenRSA are members of the Mayors Youth Advisory Council ( MYAC), a group that has successfully lobbied against texting while driving, advocated seat belt use, and explored other teen safety issues. By involving our MYAC members, it is our hope to build continuity into the teen safety programs and instill a positive culture built around being safe and smart.

So, as you are out and about this summer near Rocky Mountain, Meridian or Mountain View high schools, I encourage you to be on the lookout for a TeenRSA near you! The work they are doing just might have an impact on someone you know or love during the 100 deadliest days of summer.