Jackson State University’s Youth Occupant Protection Education Program is a safe driving education program designed to increase awareness and decrease the number of teen injuries and fatalities on Mississippi highways. Funded by the Mississippi Office of Highway Safety, the program works to educate 16 to 20-year old’s about the consequences of speeding, distracted driving, and the importance of wearing seatbelts.

What We Do

• Classroom presentations on seatbelt safety, consequences of speeding, and distracted driving
• Crash Simulator Demonstrations (consequences of not wearing seatbelts)
• School and College Assemblies
• Information Booths (Community and School Events)
• Belt-up! Seatbelt observation challenges

Occupant Protection Facts

• Speeding is a critical safety issue for teen drivers. In 2022, it was a factor in 30% of the passenger vehicle teen drivers involved in fatal crashes.
• Tragically, seat belt use is lowest among teen drivers. In 2022, 50% of teen drivers who died were unbuckled.
• Distracted driving is dangerous, claiming 3,308 lives in 2022.