KOTA Territory teens weigh in on how to improve teen driving - KOTA Territory News

KOTA Territory teens weigh in on how to improve teen driving

Teens are twice as likely as other drivers to be involved in a crash. A recent report shows for the past decade South Dakota led the nation in the number of teen deaths.

In an effort to curb those numbers, South Dakota Voices for Children and State Farm teamed up to present 'Kids Speak'; a public forum where teens present their ideas to a panel of decision makers.

Today high school students from across KOTA Territory address distracted driving and what they believe should be done to prevent accidents.

Kassie Willard, a sophomore at Belle Fourche High School said new laws along with teens leading by example will help increase teen driving safety.

"Sometimes teens don't like to listen to adults because that's the way we are wired. But we need to be able to set an example for other peers and show them that you are able to get from one destination to another without distracted driving," said Willard.

"We want youth to be actively engaged because this is a topic that directly impacts them. We feel it's very important to have that collaboration," said Megan Larson, with South Dakota Voices for Children.

A local task force on teen driving safety was created last year. The group will compile recommendations for improving teen driving safety to the 2013 legislature.