Teen crash rates remain a concern. In response, a driver safety event is encouraging young motorists to play an active role in making roads safer for their peers.
The annual two-day FOCUS event is hosted by the Trauma Center at ThedaCare Regional Medical Center-Neenah. It’s being held in partnership with the Regional Safe Routes to School, with funding from the ThedaCare Foundation-Neenah and community support.
The FOCUS event is designed to help students make safe choices by shedding light on the dangers of risky driving behaviors and their often life-changing outcomes. FOCUS stands for:
- Focus on driving
- Others are affected
- Clear distractions
- Understand substances impair judgement
- Safely reach your destination
The FOCUS event will be held on Oct. 14 and 15 at the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center, 400 West College Ave., Appleton. More than 30 schools and an estimated 4,600 students are expected to be represented.
Previously known as the P.A.R.T.Y. at the PAC, the event has served area students for more than two decades. It is a collaborative effort between area schools, law enforcement, local firefighters, emergency medical technicians, health care teams and crash survivors who volunteer to share their stories.
The event demonstrates the trauma care process as it helps educate students about the consequences of serious vehicle crashes. That includes airlift transport and emergency surgical treatment. Since its launch, the program has engaged more than 100,000 students.
“Our FOCUS event offers an important opportunity to encourage safe driving habits that can help prevent crashes among our younger, less experienced drivers,” said David Schultz, MD, a general surgeon and medical director of ThedaCare’s Level II Trauma Center. “By emphasizing positive behaviors and addressing the dangers of distracted driving, speeding and not wearing seatbelts, the program may help our area’s high school students become safer drivers.”
The program offers a parent presentation to complement the main FOCUS event for students. It will feature information on common teen driving hazards, guidelines and tools parents and caregivers can use to help coach teens in their early driving stages and information about the Graduated Driver License.
“We believe the FOCUS program can have lasting benefits as participants gain a deeper understanding of what it means to cultivate safe driving habits,” Dr. Schultz said. “This high-energy, hands-on program, can go a long way toward making our roads safer and protecting the youth in our communities.”
According to the State of Wisconsin Department of Transportation, teen drivers ages 16-19 make up only 6% of Wisconsin’s licensed drivers but account for 16% of drivers involved in crashes.
That’s why the FOCUS program is important, Dr. Schultz said. “Driving carries an obligation to others. That’s a lesson we hope every young driver takes to heart,” he said. “We’re encouraging teens to make thoughtful choices every time they get behind the wheel. Saving even one life would make the entire FOCUS program a success.”
