Students Wants Others to 'Strap in 4 Life'

Often, teenagers hear about the dangers of talking on a cellular phone or texting while driving. But how much attention is given to ensuring students fasten their seat belts? Not much, according to Kristina Trujillo and Nicole Boscarino.

The Wayne Valley High School students are doing their part to get students to remember.

The girls have entered a contest sponsored by the Brain Injury Association of New Jersey (BIA) called “U Got Brains.” Students select an issue of driving safety and create a campaign to educate students about that topic.

The girls’ theme is “Strap in 4 Life.”

“It is an important issue that is overlooked a lot, especially if you sit in the back seat, because people think it is not as hazardous as sitting in the front seat,” Trujillo said. “It needs to be the first thing you think about when you get into a car, regardless of where you sit.”

The project has been selected for the final round of entries. Two schools will receive a $13,000 driving simulator for winning the contest.

“We really think it is important to get back to the basics,” Boscarino said. “I had to tell the evaluator for my driver's test to buckle up. A lot of people remember to shut their phone off before they get into their car, but do they think to fasten their seat belts?" 

The school received a $1,000 stipend from BIA for moving onto the final round, which will be used to help further promote the project.

The girls will educate peers using public address announcements on radio and “The V,” hanging posters and passing out flyers and making bumper magnets. Students from the school’s media and design classes will assist the girls. The project will be promoted at Wayne Hills High School as well.

“We want it to be a school-wide effort,” Trujillo said.

The girls will conduct informal surveys to see how many students using the back seat fasten their seat belts. The project must be complete by April 29.

The State Legislature passed the Passenger Automobile Seat Belt Usage Act last January. The act requires all passengers in automobiles to wear seat belts, regardless of where they sit in the vehicle.

Detective Mike Zaccone, Valley’s school resource officer, said the project should be a successful one.

“It communicates a very simple message and stresses compliance throughout life and for everybody in a vehicle, no matter where they sit,” Zaccone said.

Vice Principal Mike Rewick said Trujillo and Boscarino are wise for creating the project and for their boldness in trying to educate other teenagers about driving safely.

“Having these students step out of their busy schedules to take on another task, is amazing,” Rewick said. “They are wise for doing it and for trying to let others know the dangers of not doing something that is so simple. You can easily take your own life and the lives of others if you are not careful.”