NJM Insurance Group Kicks Off National Teen Driver Safety Week
October 21, 2019Hundreds of NJ and PA high school students gain hands-on experience behind the wheel at second annual pep rally.
WEST TRENTON, NJ — NJM Insurance Group (NJM), a leading auto insurer and teen driver safety advocate in the Mid-Atlantic region, kicked off National Teen Driver Safety Week 2019 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia with an interactive, educational event in partnership with the Philadelphia 76ers. At the event, 250 students from more than 20 high schools in Pennsylvania and New Jersey participated in interactive stations, where they virtually experienced the dangers of driving while impaired, distracted, or under other unsafe conditions.
"For over a century, NJM has been committed to helping keep the communities we serve safe. One of our major focuses is teen driver safety, which we address through our nationally recognized Teen Driver Safety Program," said Violet Marrero, Consumer Safety Director for NJM. "We're proud to partner with the 76ers for our second annual Teen Driver Safety Week celebration. Today's event is designed to give young drivers the knowledge and hands-on experience they need to be safer both behind the wheel and in the passenger's seat."
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for U.S. teens, with six teens age 16 to 19 dying every day from motor vehicle crash injuries. The goal of Teen Driver Safety Week, which occurs this year the week of October 20–26, is to raise awareness and prevent teen injuries and deaths on the road.
NJM's award-winning Teen Driver Safety program has reached more than 150,000 students in New Jersey. In 2018, NJM partnered with the 76ers to launch the program into Pennsylvania. Since then the program has reached 1,400 students and parents from nine counties in the Keystone State.
Ongoing key initiatives of NJM's Teen Driver Safety Program include:
Share the Keys and Teen Driver Safety Presentations — NJM's Program consists of various presentations that can be delivered at area high schools. "Share the Keys" is a 60- to 90-minute interactive orientation for teens and their parents, demonstrating the impact of parental involvement on teen driver safety. Schools can also schedule daytime Safe Teen Driving Presentations, where NJM's Teen Driver Safety Officers discuss safe driving habits and topics including distracted driving, various driving laws, and more. For more information about these presentations or to learn about scheduling one at your school, visit njm.com/teen-driver-safety.
"Just Drive" PSA Contest — In partnership with the Pennsylvania DUI Association, NJM will host the 2nd Annual "Just Drive" PSA Contest. The free contest is open to Pennsylvania high school students and challenges teams to create 30-second videos on the dangers of distracted driving. The winning schools receive funds toward a post-prom, post-graduation, or safe driving program for their school. To learn more or sign up to participate, visit justdrive.njm.com.
U Got Brains Champion Schools Program — NJM has been a primary sponsor of the Brain Injury Alliance of New Jersey Champion Schools U GOT BRAINS? initiative since it began in 2009. Now in its tenth year, the program invites students from New Jersey high schools to create campaigns that raise awareness around teen driver safety and create change in their community. To learn more or sign up to participate, visit jerseydrives.com/champion-schools-program.
"Just Drive" Pledge — In partnership with the 76ers, NJM launched the "Just Drive" Pledge in 2018, which offers 76ers fans the opportunity to take a pledge against distracted driving. The pledge automatically registers them to win 76ers-themed prizes this basketball season, including game tickets, 76ers merchandise, suite nights, and VIP game experiences. To take the pledge, visit https://try.njm.com/sixers.
About NJM Insurance Group
NJM is a leading property casualty insurer in the Mid-Atlantic region. The Company offers auto, homeowners, renters, and umbrella coverage in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey. One of NJM's core values is to support the communities it's privileged to serve, a value exercised through year-round employee volunteer efforts at local nonprofits and a formal corporate giving and engagement program. Headquartered in West Trenton, NJ, NJM employs nearly 2,500 workers and operates in a mutual fashion for the exclusive benefit of its customers. For more information, visit njm.com.