Ohio Students Take the Lead in Traffic Safety at Be the Change Summit

Impact Teen Drivers empowers young leaders to prevent crashes, promote safer choices, and make a lasting difference in their communities.

AMHERST, OH, UNITED STATES, November 5, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- On November 5, 2026, approximately 100 students will participate in Be the Change, a youth traffic safety leadership initiative developed by Impact Teen Drivers and Safe Kids Worldwide. Hosted at Marion L. Steele High School with funding support from the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) and State Farm, the Summit will empower students from Amherst and surrounding communities to become advocates for safer roads.

“Young people have the power to influence the choices their friends and peers make every day,” said Kelly Browning, Ph.D., Executive Director of Impact Teen Drivers. “Through Be the Change, we’re giving students the knowledge, skills, and confidence to lead conversations, change behaviors, and help prevent crashes that devastate families and communities.”

“Engaging our youth to be leaders in the effort to help reduce traffic deaths is very important. Traffic deaths have been declining for four years straight, a trend we want to continue,” said ODOT Director Pamela Boratyn. “As these students become advocates for traffic safety, they help bring these lifesaving messages into their schools, families, and communities, extending the impact of education received to others.”

Students from the Amherst Steele High School Medical Health Technology Program are helping plan and host the Summit, building on more than five years of partnership with Impact Teen Drivers. Participants will experience evidence-based traffic safety education, interactive activities, and peer discussions focused on preventing reckless and distracted driving, shared roadway responsibility, and preventing crashes and serious injuries.

A rollover simulator provided by the Ohio Department of Public Safety's Ohio Traffic Safety Office will also be available during the event. Amherst Fire Chief Brandon Dimacchia and Amherst Police Chief Mark Cawthon will be in attendance.

“Working with Impact Teen Drivers has given our Medical Health Technology students meaningful opportunities to connect what they’re learning about health and injury prevention with real-world action,” said Kim Haney, teacher at Amherst Steele High School. “Helping plan and lead this Summit allows our students to put those skills to work while encouraging other young people to make choices that protect lives.”

Be the Change supports student-led, peer-to-peer education and outreach to multiple age groups. Participants will develop plans to promote safer behaviors in their schools and communities, building a sustainable network of youth traffic safety advocates.

Event Details
Date: Thursday, November 5, 2026
Time: 8:00 a.m.–2:15 p.m.
Location: Creative Learning Space, Marion L. Steele High School, 450 Washington Street, Amherst, OH 44001
Participants: Approximately 100 students from Marion L. Steele High School and surrounding communities.

About Impact Teen Drivers
Impact Teen Drivers is a national nonprofit dedicated to preventing crashes and saving lives through evidence-based education, community partnerships, and youth leadership. Its programs empower young people and communities to make safer choices and take shared responsibility for roadway safety.

Media Contacts
Kim Haney
Amherst Steele High School
kim_haney@amherstk12.org

Carol Green
Deputy Director, Impact Teen Drivers
+1 858-349-9887