FARMINGDALE, N.Y. | On April 24th, the Farmingdale State College men's lacrosse team participated in a "Stay in the Game" safe driving program in partnership with
Stony Brook Medicine and
Impact Teen Drivers.
Designed specifically for student-athletes, the program focused on the importance of eliminating distractions behind the wheel while promoting responsible decision-making and safe driving habits. The men's lacrosse team became the first collegiate team across the country to participate in the program.
Led by Kristi Ladowski, Associate Director of Injury Prevention & Outreach at the Stony Brook Trauma Center, the presentation connected the focus, discipline and situational awareness required in athletics to the responsibilities student-athletes face while driving.
Through a combination of facts, storytelling, videos and interactive activities, members of the men's lacrosse program learned about the dangers of distracted and reckless driving. The program challenged student-athletes to think about the expectations placed upon them by coaches and teammates both on and off the field, while emphasizing that the same mindset and preparation used in competition to help keep drivers focused and safe on the road.
Interactive portions of the presentation highlighted the four types of driving distractions, visual, manual, cognitive and auditory, and demonstrated how everyday behaviors can become dangerous behind the wheel. The session concluded with a game plan for safe driving, encouraging participants to always buckle up, minimize distractions, focus on the road, drive at safe speeds and speak up when unsafe.
Since 2007, Impact Teen Drivers has worked to reduce injuries and fatalities caused by distracted and reckless driving through evidence-based education and prevention strategies aimed at young drivers.
