[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 147 (Monday, October 1, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2026]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 IN HONOR OF BERGEN TECHNICAL SCHOOL'S PARTNERSHIP WITH STATE FARM TO 
                       PROMOTE SAFE TEEN DRIVING

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT GARRETT

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 1, 2007

  Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend the 
faculty, staff, and students at Bergen Technical High School who have 
partnered with State Farm to promote safe teen driving.
  Far too many young people lose their lives senselessly to motor 
vehicle accidents, largely because of their youth and inexperience 
behind the wheel. In fact, 14 percent of all motor vehicle deaths are 
teen drivers and car crashes is the number one killer of teens today. 
State Farm has developed a phenomenal program called Project Ignition, 
committed to reversing this trend and saving teens on the road. This 
popular program partners with local schools to develop ad campaigns to 
promote safe driving in ways that really speak to young people.
  Bergen Technical High School is one of only 25 schools nationwide 
chosen to participate in this program. Their visual graphic design 
program is creating a series of public service announcements for 
television, posters, and more to speak to teens about the importance of 
driving responsibly and safely. Streetwise, the name of their program, 
promotes six character education pillars--respect, responsibility, 
citizenship, fairness, caring, and trustworthiness--in ways that really 
resonate with their target audience.
  Today, the participants in this innovative program celebrated their 
work while trying to break the Guinness Book of World Records record 
for the longest message/graffiti scroll using their Streetwise message. 
They will be joined by fellow students from other Bergen County High 
Schools and supportive parents and citizens throughout the County. All 
of Bergen County is proud of their efforts.

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