May 1, 2009 2 min read

Thanks to a $2,000.00 grant from Erie Insurance and its Lookin’ Out program, students from Carmichaels High School will continue to spread the word about safe driving among their peers. “Car crashes are the top killer of U.S. teens,” said Erie Insurance agent Pam Whyel of the Yingling Insurance Agency, who is partnering with the students at Carmichaels to implement the program. “In fact, teen drivers are involved in twice as many crashes as other drivers.” Lookin’ Out is different from other safe driving programs, as it is rooted in a student-driven approach of positive peer influence. Through the program, teens create a series of events and activities addressing risk factors such as lack of seatbelt use, speeding and other reckless behavior, driving under the influence and distractions such as loud music and cell phone use.

The Carmichaels Lookin’ Out committee has planned a number of other activities throughout the school year that will be funded by this grant, including: Participation in the Lookin’ Out “You hold the keys” prom campaign, elementary school safety presentations and a visit from the Lookin’ Out Safety Bug, a mechanically engineered car that simulates impairment, and more.

Since its 2001 inception, Lookin’ Out has been launched in more than 150 high schools and awarded more than $350,000 in grants. This marks Carmichaels’ third year participating in the program.