Hey y’all,

Yesterday was the first day of summer, and as vaccination rates rise and the world continues to reopen, a lot of folks are ready to hit the road for adventures near and far during these warmer months.

Yesterday we also launched Road to Self-Care, a national program empowering DoSomething members to impact their friend’s mental health while keeping them safe on the road this summer. Read more about it below!

Let's Do This,

Jackie (she/her)

Road to Self-Care: How the DoSomething Community is Keeping Their Friends Calm and Safe on the Road This Summer

Problem: Motor vehicle crashes continue to be one of the leading causes of death among young people, and since 2015, 43% of teen driver and passenger fatalities involved speeding (compared to 30% for all other age groups).

According to multiple studies, adolescents experiencing psychological distress, like anxiety or depression, report taking more risks on the road, including speeding.

Solution: You can help your friends practice self-care and keep them safe on the road this summer.

Emotional regulation helps drivers follow the speed limit and decrease risky driving. Through our Road to Self-Care program, powered by General Motors, DoSomething members are keeping their friends safe by sharing techniques to help them to calm down and relieve stress before getting on the road.

“It took me a very long time to get comfortable on the road. I didn’t know about methods that could help with my anxiety,” says DoSomething member Venus, 21. “I want to help individuals who struggle with stress and share as much information as I can to prevent bad situations from happening.”

Share a mental health and road safety checklist with a friend to help keep them safe on the road this summer. (You’ll also be entered for a chance to win a $2,000 scholarship!)