Glen Burnie, Md. (June 11, 2019) – A seat belt education program really clicked with students at two local schools. Chopticon and Sparrows Point high schools recently received awards from the Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration (MDOT MVA) Highway Safety Office for seat belt usage among students. The program, Making It Click, is a peer-led effort to increase awareness and usage of seat belts among younger drivers and passengers.
“These students inspire us with their work and their commitment to Making It Click and helping save lives on our roads,” said Chrissy Nizer, MDOT MVA administrator and Governor Hogan’s highway safety representative. “Students are creating a culture with their peers that encourages safety and the importance of buckling up.”
Chopticon High School in St. Mary’s County was recognized for the highest overall seat belt usage rate at 97.9 percent. Sparrows Point High School in Baltimore County was recognized for the largest increase in seat belt usage among students. Usage at the school improved 14.5 percent by the end of the program.
MDOT MVA Administrator Nizer and Maryland Highway Safety Office Director Dr. Tim Kerns visited the schools to present the principals, faculty and student leaders with Making It Click plaques. Eighteen high schools in St. Mary’s, Baltimore, Howard, Calvert and Harford counties, as well as Allegany College of Maryland, participated in Making It Click this academic year.
Students conducted surveys at the beginning and end of the program to observe whether drivers and passengers were buckled up as they drove onto the school campus. Students also created posters, videos and flyers, and provided tips during morning announcements.
The Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) chapter at Sparrows Point High School and the Best Leaders Group at Chopticon High School led the efforts at their schools. This is the second year of the Making It Click program in Maryland. In all, nearly 30 high schools and two colleges have participated.
Learn about the Maryland Highway Safety Office’s Toward Zero Deaths campaign at Toward Zero Deaths Maryland, visit towardzerodeathsmd.com or find us on Facebook @towardzerodeathsmd, on Twitter @tzd_maryland, and on Instagram at twdzerodeaths_md. | 
