Teens Turn Deadliest Season into Season of Volunteering

United States – 05-25-2020 (PRDistribution.com) — Thousands of Young People use Summer Months to Give-Back and Keep Others Safe

Washington, DC- (May 25, 2020) – Today, Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) issued a national call to action to combat the deadliest season for young people — the summer months — by providing virtual volunteer opportunities for students across the country. Known as the “100 deadliest days,” the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day is the season when more young people lose their lives in car crashes and other destructive decisions. SADD is calling upon teens, parents, law enforcement, and the community at large to raise awareness and take action to keep teens safe while giving back at the local, state, and national levels through acts of volunteerism. 

In 2017, 4,278 young people between the ages of 16-20 lost their lives across the country on our roadways. While young drivers make up 5.3% of drivers, they represent 35.6% of all fatal crashes. There is also data to suggest that youth substance use increases during the summer months, including underage drinking, tobacco use, and other poor choices as it relates to substance use. This can lead to a decline in mental wellness, especially during this strange time of COVID-19, where young people are apart and missing out on the special moments of summer.   “Because of recent events, we’ve been reminded of the importance of public health, but we forget that safety of teens is a public health priority for us all,” says Rick Birt, President & CEO of SADD. “As young people take to the roadways, are less supervised, and face constant pressures to engage in risky behavior, we’re committed to empowering them to make good choices and to give back.

As a certifying body for the Presidential Volunteer Service Award, SADD will mobilize its chapters in middle schools, high schools, colleges, along with new virtual chapters, to partake in a number of volunteer opportunities this summer. SADD has partnered with various organizations and created different tasks and observances to get students involved and make a difference. “SADD members are making a goal of 100 hours of community service this summer as a call to action to combat the “100 Deadliest Days of Summer,” said National Student President, Presley Connor. “Though this summer isn’t what we expected I know SADD students will rise to the challenge, mobilize their communities through education, and make a true change through virtual volunteering.” 

SADD chapters and others who wish to participate can visit www.SADD.org/volunteer to learn more information,

About SADD

Since 1981, SADD, the nation’s premier youth health & safety organization has worked to empower teens, engage parents, mobilize communities, and change lives around the issues of traffic safety, substance abuse, and personal health and safety. Through a national network of peer-led chapters in middle schools, high schools and colleges, SADD equips our students with the resources they need to advocate for change on their campuses and in their communities. Join the movement by visiting www.sadd.org, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram.

 

CONTACT: Bailey Bindle
Communications Coordinator 
(402) 245-0855
[email protected]

Media Contacts:

Company Name: SADD
Full Name: Bailey Bindle
Phone: (402) 245-0855
Email Address: Send Email
Website: www.sadd.org

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