Elk Grove Police Receive $62,000 Grant For Teen, Young Adult Safe Driving Program

November 1, 2016 |

The California Office of Traffic Safety has awarded a $62,000 grant to the Elk Grove Police Department for a teen and young adult safe driving program called "Before the Impact." Among of the area of focus for the one-year program is distracted driving which continues to be one of the most preventable tragedies affecting teens and young adults.

"The overwhelming majority of all car crashes are 100% preventable. By educating the public on the selfish choices drivers make that cause crashes, we can reduce the number of families that receive horrific news about a loved one that has been injured or killed,” Elk Grove Police Community Service Officer Misty Dailey said. “If drivers will make the simple decision to do the right thing when behind the wheel, the number of crashes will drop dramatically and the roads will be safer for everyone.”

In 2013, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that 2,163 motor vehicle deaths 2,163 was the leading cause of death amongst those aged 16-19. Also, these collisions sent over 243,000 teenagers to emergency rooms. 

Created in 2008, "Before the Impact" educates teens and adults on the effects of making bad decisions in a car, and is offered throughout the year to service clubs, community organizations, and Sacramento County high schools. The information shared over the last nine years has received national/statewide recognition/awards, and has been featured in many newspaper articles and numerous television interviews.

“Education and awareness are the keys to starting new drivers on the road to safety,” OTS Director Rhonda Craft said.  “Funding the Elk Grove Police Department to help continue their ‘Before the Impact’ program will put young drivers on the right path for a safe driving career.” 

For additional information about the ‘Before the Impact’ program, please contact Community Service Officer Misty Dailey mdailey@elkgrovepd.org or (916) 478-8055.