Hey DoSomething Members,

As you hit the road for one last weekend of summer fun before heading back to school, we encourage you to make a plan to stay safe on the road. Scroll below to learn more about the Road to Self-Care, a national program activating DoSomething members to make a plan to drive safely and clear their mind before hitting the road

Let’s Do This,

DoSomething

These DoSomething Members Are Activating their Friends to Stay Safe and Keep Calm on the Road

Motor vehicle crashes continue to be the 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 report higher levels of risky driving. Mental health symptoms related to depression, anxiety, ADHD, and conduct disorders can influence a young person’s behavior on the road (just as it does off of it). Studies suggest that they have a greater chance of taking risks on the road — including speeding.

That’s why DoSomething members have activated their friends to stay safe and keep calm and safe on the road by sharing our mental health and road safety checklist. Here are just a few of our favorites from the Road to Self-Care program:

“It is vital to the safety and well being of my peers and our community, that we drive with a clear state of mind, making good decisions and reactions.” says DoSomething member Jacob 21.

“My aunt was killed in a car crash when she was 19 because the driver wasn't practicing safe driving” says DoSomething member Parker, 21. “Anything I can do to prevent that from happening to someone else's aunt, or uncle, or brother, or sister, or anyone, I'm more than happy to do! Drive safe!”

DoSomething member Ayejah, 17, went above and beyond by designing her own checklist (with some pretty fun drawings too). She says: “I struggle with anxiety in my everyday life, it is especially active when I am driving. So, if I can spread awareness while reminding myself to take a deep breath before driving, I will definitely do so!”

Join Jacob, Parker, and Ayejah in the movement for road safety and mental health through our Road to Self-Care program.

It’s almost National Cheese Pizza Day… so celebrate the holiday on Sunday, September 5th by grabbing a slice and listening to one our Road to Self Care Spotify playlists.

Our hero today is…Yolanda King who reminds us of her grandfather’s legacy and encourages Congress to have some courage to protect voting rights.

In case you missed it… the Texas legislative showdown over voting rights is over. The Texas Legislature passed a sweeping bill that will restrict access to voting, including limiting drive through and 24 hour voting, as well as limit mail in voting, all policies that make voting more accessible for historically marginalized communities.