South Carolina is trying to reduce the number of teen car accidents by introducing a new safe driving program called, Alive at 25, in the hopes of educating young people on the importance of safe driving.

According to the South Carolina Chapter of the National Safety Council, 172 young drivers were killed in traffic accidents in 2010 and nationwide, approximately 11,000 teens are killed each year in car accidents.

District area school principals met with representatives from the Alive at 25 program in December to learn more about it. All of the principals felt that the program dealt with issues that teens face today while driving. They include speeding, drinking and driving, texting, cellphone use, seatbelt safety and driving with too many passengers. The program would teach students to be aware of these distractions and how they can effectively make better choices when put into various situations.

School board officials will need to approve the program district-wide and if it is approved, the program would cost approximately $35 per student and could become a requirement for any student that wants to drive to school.

Making it a course requirement is the only way school officials can ensure full student participation. Scholarships would be made available by the South Carolina National Safety Council for those students not able to afford it. Also, corporate sponsors could participate and provide scholarships.

Even with the best programs in place to curb car accidents, they still happen every day and could have life altering consequences. The physical, emotional and financial strain on the individual can be overwhelming and only an experienced attorney specializing in personal injury can help you figure out your options.

Source: Easley Patch, "Alive at 25 Program Targets Distracted Driving," Jeff Brush, Jan. 30, 2012.