Prep Basketball Fans to Get the Safe Driving Message

COLUMBIA - Volunteers from the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety will be stationed at the Mizzou Arena on March 13 and 20 during the Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) Basketball Championships in Columbia, Mo. to spread the word about safe driving habits.

The Coalition for Roadway Safety has partnered with MSHSAA this year to promote seat belt usage and safe driving to the students and families who participate in the statewide competitions.

"We want to encourage everyone to be safe on Missouri roads, and that means buckling up, driving sober, and avoiding distractions," said Matt Myers, coordinator for the Central Region coalition group. "High school students are a primary focus for us because their seat belt usage rate is lower than the state average."

Unfortunately, 40 percent of Missouri teens don't buckle up. Between 2007 and 2009, 304 teens, ages 15-19, were killed in traffic crashes. Of those killed, 72 percent were unbuckled.

Students from Camdenton, Fatima (Osage County R-III) and Iberia high schools will help the coalition spread the message during the MSHSAA championship with activities for those basketball fans that stop by.

The Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety is comprised of safety advocates, law enforcement, engineers, educators, and other public and private entities working together to increase safety on Missouri roadways. The coalition's goal is to encourage the public to buckle up, drive sober, and ARRIVE ALIVE. For more information, please call 1-888-275-6636 or visit www.savemolives.com/central.