Title
Resolution - A Resolution of the City of Mansfield Authorizing the City Manager and the Police Department to Apply, Receive and Expend Grant Funds from State Farm Insurance Group to Implement a Teen Driver Safety Program. The Total Grant Award will not Exceed $15,000 with no Match Required from the City.
Requested Action
Approval of Resolution
Recommendation
Approval of Resolution
Description/History
Distracted driving is any activity that could divert a person's attention away from the primary task of driving. All distractions endanger the driver, passenger, other drivers and bystanders. Several types of distractions include: texting, using a cell phone, eating and drinking, grooming, reading, using a navigation system, or simply adjusting a radio. The most dangerous of all these is texting as that action requires visual, manual, and cognitive attention from the driver. The best way to end distracted driving is to educate drivers about the dangers. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration reports that "ten percent of all drivers 15 to 19 years old involved in fatal crashes were reported as distracted at the time of the crashes. This age group has the largest proportion of drivers who were distracted at the time of the crashes."
By special invitation, State Farm Insurance Group has invited the City of Mansfield to apply for a corporation grant not to exceed $15,000 specifically to educate teen drivers within our community on the dangers of distracted driving. If awarded, the Mansfield Police Department will focus on activity based learning using distorted vision goggles, and pedal karts.
Justification
Young, inexperienced drivers, under 20 years old have the highest proportion of distraction-related fatal crashes. Their lack of driving experience can contribute to critical misjudgments if they become distracted, yet they text more than any other age group. It's a trend that poses a growing danger, so it's import...
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