Hey DoSomething Members,

It’s hard to hear that something you’re passionate about isn’t going the way you want it to—and that is for sure what’s happening on roads in the U.S., according to new data from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). A summary report released by the DOT’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration of new data about 2020 traffic safety shows double-digit increases in traffic fatalities among young people aged 16-24 years over the last year.

Studies suggest that young people with mental health symptoms related to depression, anxiety, ADHD, and conduct disorders have a greater chance of taking potentially life threatening risks on the road. At a time when more young folks than ever report mental health concerns, this increase feels chillingly unsurprising.

As so many of us already know, it does not have to be this way. You can encourage your friends to drive safely by practicing a little self care before hitting the road. When stress levels are down, you’re more likely to buckle up and keep to the speed limit. Head over to our Road to Self Care site to learn more.

Let’s Do This,

DoSomething

Check Out These DoSomething Members Helping To Prevent Crashes By Keeping Their Friends Safe With Our Road To Self Care program.

“This campaign is important to me because I’m a new driver,” says DoSomething member CaraLynn, 17. “After taking my Driver’s Ed class, I realized how easy it is to become overwhelmed on the road, which can have dire consequences. I hope that by sharing this campaign with others, more people will feel safe on the road. In order to ensure others feel safe on the road, you have to make sure that you feel safe first.”

“I'm an EMT and while doing my job, I have witnessed way too many lives lost in vehicle accidents,” says DoSomething member Emma, 17. “Whether it was drunk driving or reckless driving by a teenager, lives were lost. To have to tell a parent or loved one that their son, relative or friend has passed away is an experience that I would wish on no one. I can only hope that movements like this one will really make an impact because personally, I don't want to ever tell another parent that their child was lost to irresponsible driving.”

“This campaign is important to me because I'm in high school and everyone around me is either getting their license or a beginner at driving,” says DoSomething member Anaiya, 17. “I want to make sure the people i care about stay safe and always check in with themselves before getting behind the wheel. Driving is scary but making sure you're mentally sound enough to drive can make it a way more comfortable experience.”

Join CaraLynn, Emma, and Anaiya in the movement for road safety and mental health through our Road to Self-Care program.