As the most dangerous stretch of the year has begun for teenage drivers, Heritage|MileOne Autogroup and MileOneCares have launched an expanded distracted driving education program aimed at saving young lives.
Starting last month, the interactive DRIVE SMART MARYLAND experience is visiting a dozen high schools around the state, providing approximately 3,000 new drivers with hands-on lessons about the dangers of distracted and impaired driving.
On Tuesday, May 20, the Towson-based MileOne Autogroup and DRIVE SMART MARYLAND will visit Pikesville High School to teach juniors and seniors about the dangers of distracted driving.
Throughout the visit, students will rotate through stations, including a virtual reality texting-and-driving simulator; an impaired driving cart course; a simulated traffic stop experience; and a quiz-style activity to reinforce key lessons.
According to the Maryland Highway Safety Office, nearly one-third of injury crashes involving young drivers occur between April and July. That statistic aligns with the nationally recognized “100 Deadliest Days” identified by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety as the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day when there’s a significant increase in traffic-related fatalities, particularly involving teen drivers, due to increased travel and risky behaviors.
After introducing the program to two Maryland schools in 2023, MileOne Autogroup made a significant investment to fully fund the launch and expansion of DRIVE SMART MARYLAND, including the donation of a vehicle and the funds for the purchase of a dedicated simulator, equipment and a full-time staff member to run the program.
“As a parent of a teenage driver, I know how important it is to make safe driving habits stick, and that takes more than a lecture,” said Amanda Kodeck, chief giving officer of MileOne Autogroup. “DRIVE SMART Maryland gives students a real-world understanding of the consequences of distraction and impairment. It’s immersive, it’s hands-on, and it’s one of the most meaningful things we do through MileOneCares.”
Besides Pikesville High, the program will be brought to The Park School, Catonsville High, Patapso High, Hereford High, Dundalk High and the Thomas Edison High School of Technology in Montgomery County.
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