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RoadWise

The Research Foundation is making Kansas City's young drivers safe drivers.

RoadWise is a free program for young drivers 14-18, emphasizing the importance of wearing a seat belt and making good, safe decisions behind the wheel.

Attendees begin the class by learning about the path of a car crash victim at a trauma center. Hospital staff share experiences they have had with crash victims in the emergency room, radiology, intensive care, and physical therapy. Students meet individuals who have suffered from permanent brain or spinal cord injuries because of a motor vehicle crash. The class ends with the Missouri State Highway Patrol Troopers talking about crash sites and making death notifications to families.

  • Distracted Driving
  • Young Driver

THE STATS

  • Teens are 10 times more likely to be in a fatal car accident than adults.
  • Texting behind the wheel makes you 20 times more likely to be involved in a crash than a non-distracted driver.
  • Motor vehicle crashes are the number one cause of death among teenagers in the US.
  • Most of the fatal teen car accidents occur six months after obtaining the license.
  • Despite drunk driving and texting being regarded as main distractions and accident causes for drivers of all ages, being distracted by passengers is a major factor in fatal teen crashes.

Statistics collected from Missouri Department of Transportation and Kansas Department of Transportation

WHAT PARENTS ARE SAYING

  • "I would recommend this class. My granddaughter shared what she learned from the police officer and medical professionals. She was especially impressed with the victim of an accident."

  • "I would recommend this class to other families. My daughter was really impressed by the ER nurse that came and talked. She thinks that now that is what she wants to be as a career. She wants to help save people."

STAY TUNED!

Interested in our 2026 RoadWise class? Sign up here to get notified when information is available!