Distracted driving has been at epidemic proportions for a number of years and despite many campaigns there has been no substantial decrease in crashes, injuries and deaths. End Distracted Driving (EndDD.org) and Safe Roads Alliance hope to change that with “Kids Speaking up for Road Safety,” our distracted driving lesson plans for grades 2-3,4-5 and 6. These lesson plans were developed in consultation with teachers, elementary education content developers, child psychologists and SEL experts. Our program consists of a single 45-minute lesson plan, which is in Powerpoint, pdf, or webinar format. There are also fun supplemental cross-curricular activities that can be used if time permits. We will provide you with materials so teachers can give the lessons themselves. All materials are provided at no cost.
The lesson plan will help you teach students about distractions in general, the problems that multi-tasking can cause, and how kids can recognize when their drivers are distracted. Based on teacher input, we created an animated character, “Sam,” a meerkat who helps guide students through the lessons. Sam also helps teach students about the use of “I” statements as a respectful and effective way to let caregivers know of their concerns about being driven by a distracted driver. The lesson plans are supported by three animated videos. Students will learn communication skills necessary to help their parents/caregivers drive safer. By teaching students about distracted driving long before they get their drivers’ licenses, we can create a generation of safer drivers.
You can find more information on the lesson plans here.
You can find research results on our MA programs to date here.