When 17 year-old Lauren Harris (in photo) headed for church one Sunday morning nearly two years ago her family had no idea it would be the last time they would ever see her.  Now her mom, Nancy Harris, is talking to teens at her daughter’s high school about the importance of being safe and responsible behind the wheel. 

Nancy tells us her message for young drivers and why teens need to speak up for the sake of themselves and their friends.   

We also have updates on current Lookin’ Out program happenings including the winner of the annual PSA contest and the start of “Safety Bug season.�

Lookin’ Out Web site

A serious car accident two years ago almost took away Dustin Wakely's ability to do what he loves to do most - run.   

But after doctors said he might not run or even walk again, Wakely found himself back on the cross-country trail just four months later. 

For 18 years the Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital in Malvern, Pa. has been talking to teens about the dangers of impaired driving through their Cruisin' Not Boozin' program.  The program features former Bryn Mawr patients telling students their personal stories about surviving serious auto crashes in which alcohol or drugs were a factor. 

We spoke with Michael Vozzelli, a speaker with the Cruisin' Not Boozin' program, about his story, how his crash impacted his life and why he speaks to thousands of students every year. 

Cruisin' Not Boozin' Program

Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital

Dr. Anne McCartt, Senior Vice President of Research, at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) talks about the good news for young drivers contained in the organization’s June Status Report, and the impact that graduated drivers licensing programs are having on reducing teen crash risks.  

Links: 

Anne McCartt Bio

IIHS Web site

Status Report, June

An interview with Stephen Erni, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania DUI Association, tells us all about the Lookin Out Safety Bug - the engineering, what to expect from a Safety Bug event, booking information and more.

Links:

What is the Lookin' Out Safety Bug?

Lookin' Out Web site

Contact the PA DUI Association

Using positive peer pressure to encourage teens to drive safely - it's what Lookin Out is all about.  In our initial Lookin Out podcast, Matt Bresee, program coordinator, takes you through the steps of starting a new Lookin Out program.

Links: 

Lookin' Out Web site

Contact Erie Insurance about Lookin' Out

Lookin' Out "Guide to Getting Started"

Lookin' Out "Activity Guide"