Governor’s Highway Safety Committee launches ‘No Empty Chair’ to prevent teen car crashes

BUFFALO, NY – On Monday, the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC) launched the 2022 “No Empty Chair” campaign with the goal of reducing car crashes involving teens to ensure everyone drives upon graduation.

The campaign runs through Friday in partnership with Students Against Destructive Decisions. There will be educational events and enforcement efforts to raise awareness of bad driving behavior.

“Prom and graduation are exciting rites of passage for teenagers, and we want to make sure they all have the chance to experience these milestones,” said GTSC President and DMV Commissioner Mark JF. Schröder. “Our No Empty Chair campaign aims to give young drivers the knowledge to make smart choices behind the wheel and to encourage role models in a young person’s life like their coaches, teachers and parents to reinforce the importance of safe driving. responsible. Together we can and will save lives.

According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, road accidents are the second leading cause of death among adolescents. In addition, teenagers between the ages of 16 and 19 have more accidents than any other age group.

SADD will organize events in their own communities. No empty chair posters will be posted in schools across the state. Secondary school resource officers are also encouraged to conduct outreach activities now through prom and graduation.

Throughout the week, the following topics will be the focus of each day: