Keep Kids Alive

KEEP KIDS ALIVE DRIVE 25 DAY - A CALL TO ACTION!
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”
Margaret Mead

Dear Friends in Safety,
This is the week!
May 1st is the 3rd Annual KEEP KIDS ALIVE DRIVE 25® Day Observance in cities, neighborhoods, schools, and homes throughout the U.S. Participants who have contacted us thus far include:
· Omaha, NE (Mayor's Office)
· Baltimore, MD (Mayor's Office)
· Washington DC (Dept. of Transportation)
· Pocatello, ID (Dept. of Neighborhood Services)
· Andover, KS (Police Dept)
· The State of Nebraska Unicameral
· New Berlin, WI (10 Years of KKAD25)
· Gretna, NE (Community Celebration at Peterson Park)
· Hagerstown, MD (Dept. of Neighborhoods)
· Norfolk, NE (Norfolk School District Junior Optimists Club
· Broomall (Marple Township), PA
· Edison, NJ (Police Dept.)
· Kingston Springs, TN (Creek Wood High School FCCLA)
· Buda, TX (Homeowners Association)

The focus of KKAD25 Day is on the messages we send through our driving behaviors; in a word, through our “manners” behind the wheel.

Most often when we consider manners, words like “please”, “thank you,” and “excuse me” come to mind. Or, we imagine actions like opening doors for others as a courtesy.

Manners really have everything to do with the quality of relationships we have with each other as human beings. We know this so well in how these courtesies make a difference at home, with neighbors, at school, at work, or just out and about in this world. In short, manners reflect the best of how we would like to present ourselves to others.

This KEEP KIDS ALIVE DRIVE 25® Day (and every day), let’s each make a commitment to be mindful of our manners – to be the best we can be - behind the wheel.

We practice our manners when we:

Make sure the coast is clear of all people – little and otherwise -all around our vehicle before entering it each time. Consideration begins even before we put the key in the ignition. (Visit http://www.kidsandcars.org/)

Buckle up everyone, every trip every time.

Obey the posted speed limit on every roadway. The life you save may be your own, or someone you love. Adjust your speed downward according to presence of children at play in their yards, pedestrians on the sidewalk (or even in street if you are in a neighborhood without sidewalks), or due to weather conditions. Make driving the speed limit, or slower if necessary, a common courtesy to share with neighbors every day of the year.

Stop! Take 3 To See® at every stop sign. It’s great practice for when we really do need to stop – and we never know when that moment may be.

Decide to “Be a thinker! Use your blinker.” Demonstrate the courtesy necessary to let folks around you know (well in advance) that you will be changing lanes or making a turn. (Thanks to Maureen Nussman at Kinnelon, NJ High School.)

Realize that It’s Not A Race! Create Space© – Practice safe space management. At the very least, make sure there are three seconds between you and the car ahead gives you time and distance to respond to problems in the lane ahead of you. See Driving Skills for Life.

Don’t drive while “intexticated” and don’t be “cellfish.” If you must, pull off into a safe place (a parking lot or rest stop) to text or use your cell phone.
Don’t drink and drive.

Wear a helmet whenever riding a bike or motorcycle – check out these stories for encouragement to do so:
11-year-old tried to save friend killed in ATV crash
It's About the People We Love and the People Who Love Us

We can invite others to join in by sending the KEEP KIDS ALIVE DRIVE 25® message via a yard sign, vehicle magnet, bumper sticker, or trash can decal. Visit the KKAD25 Store. 40% of all purchases count as a tax-deductible donation to support the mission of KEEP KIDS ALIVE DRIVE 25®.

Make this KEEP KIDS ALIVE DRIVE 25® Day the beginning of safe travel into graduations and on into summer, and the rest of your life. Remember, the target is, “Zero Deaths, Zero Injuries.” These are the only acceptable goals. Let’s each do our part by practicing our manners on the road. Thanks!

“Don’t Let the 2 Minutes You ‘Save’ Be the Last 2 Minutes of Someone’s Life.”
Adapted from David Townsend (Tia’s father)

In safety,
Tom EversonTom Everson
Executive DirectorKEEP KIDS ALIVE DRIVE 25® - A “For Action” Organization -501(c) (3)
12418 C Street
Omaha, NE 68144
http://us.mc541.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=Kkad25@kkad25.org
http://www.keepkidsalivedrive25.org/ – Keep up with the latest at the KKAD25 Blog.