KANSAS CITY, Mo., (Sept. 14, 2026) – The Research Foundation is proud to congratulate Sgt. Justin Ewing and Cpl. Justin Howard of the Missouri State Highway Patrol on receiving the 2026 Beyond the Traffic Stop Award for their outstanding commitment to advancing highway safety and educating young drivers across Missouri. The award was presented on September 10, 2026, at the 2026 Show-Me Zero Conference in Columbia, Missouri.
The Beyond the Traffic Stop Award recognizes a law enforcement officer or enforcement-oriented group that has substantially advanced highway safety in Missouri through innovative traffic safety efforts that encourage safe driving, helping move Missouri toward zero fatalities.
Sgt. Ewing and Cpl. Howard were recognized in part for their longstanding commitment to The Research Foundation’s Young Traffic Offenders Program (YTOP), a program of The Research Foundation and its ThinkFirst chapter, ThinkFirst of Greater Kansas City.
As YTOP presenters, Lt. Ewing and Cpl. Howard provide an invaluable perspective to high-risk young drivers who have been sentenced by a county or municipal court to attend the program following traffic violations. The officers commit to presenting at 24 classes each year, reaching hundreds of young drivers with a powerful message about the real-life consequences of unsafe driving. During each 45-minute presentation, they share firsthand experiences responding to serious crashes, offering a message that is both educational and deeply impactful. By sharing stories from crash scenes, discussing the difficult responsibility of making death notifications to families and reinforcing the importance of safe driving habits, they help participants understand that every decision behind the wheel can have real and lasting consequences.
Through their participation as YTOP presenters, Sgt. Ewing and Cpl. Howard helped educate nearly 900 high-risk young drivers last year alone.
“Sgt.. Ewing and Cpl. Howard bring an incredibly important perspective to our program,” said Cynthia Randazzo, President and CEO of The Research Foundation. “Their firsthand experiences help young drivers understand that traffic safety is about more than following the rules. Their presentations show the human impact behind every crash and every decision made behind the wheel. We are grateful for their dedication to educating young people and making our roads safer.”
Beyond their presentations, Sgt. Ewing and Cpl. Howard play an important role in bridging the gap between young drivers and law enforcement. They create an environment where participants feel comfortable asking questions, discussing their own driving habits and gaining a better understanding of traffic laws and roadway safety. Even after their presentations conclude, they routinely stay to speak one-on-one with attendees, answering questions and offering guidance that extends beyond the classroom.
Their commitment to traffic safety also extends to ThinkFirst of Greater Kansas City. Through the program, Sgt. Ewing and Cpl. Howard provide injury prevention and traffic safety education to middle and high school students throughout the region. Their presentations address critical topics including distracted driving, impaired driving, seat belt use and other safe driving behaviors, helping students understand the risks associated with unsafe choices before dangerous driving habits develop.
Together, their work with YTOP and ThinkFirst of Greater Kansas City has positively impacted thousands of young people.
“Their willingness to share their experiences, answer difficult questions and connect personally with young people makes a lasting difference,” Randazzo said. “This recognition is well deserved, and we are proud to partner with them in our shared mission to prevent injuries and save lives."
The Research Foundation’s Young Traffic Offenders Program was created to educate young drivers about the consequences of unsafe driving and encourage safer decisions behind the wheel. The program brings together law enforcement officers, crash victims, and healthcare professionals to provide participants with a firsthand look at how risky driving behaviors can change lives.
For more information about The Research Foundation and its traffic safety programs, visit theresearchfoundationkc.org.
