A long-running teen driver safety program at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, Be In The Zone (BITZ), shows students that distracted driving is dangerous and potentially deadly.
Research has found that dialing a phone number while driving increases a teen’s risk of crashing by six times, and texting while driving increases the risk by 23 times.
The Trauma Injury Prevention Program at Monroe Carell is a nationally recognized program with a focus on reducing traumatic injuries among children and promoting safe driving behaviors.
According to Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security data, drivers ages 16-24 have the highest percentage of driving distracted crash rate, and motor vehicle crashes remain the leading preventable cause of death for teens ages 15-19.
This year, 15 schools signed up to participate in the BITZ program, which receives funding from a Nissan Foundation grant.
“Learning to drive is one of the most important milestones in a young person’s life, and establishing safe habits from the start can make a lasting difference,” said Ali Tonn Sr., Manager of Sustainability and Philanthropy for Nissan North America. “We are proud to support Be In The Zone and help teens develop the skills, confidence and awareness needed to become safe and responsible drivers. The impact of this work extends far beyond the classroom, helping create safer roads, stronger communities and a culture of responsible driving for future generations.”
Amber Sexton, Associate Program Manager for BITZ at Monroe Carell, said students at participating schools are determined to make an impact through various awareness campaigns and hands-on learning at their schools and Monroe Carell.
“The intensive program teaches teens how to use outreach and education, and how a change in behavior among young drivers can make a difference in their communities.”
The schools participating this year are:
- Beech High School
- Blackman High School
- Cane Ridge High School
- Cheatham County Central High School
- Green Hill High School
- Harpeth High School
- Hickman County High School
- Holloway High School
- Hunters Lane High School
- James Lawson High School
- LaVergne High School
- Montgomery Central High School
- Smyrna High School
- Stewart County High School Sycamore High School
In their words: Testimonials from people who have participated in the Be In The Zone program
Joshua Dumas, teacher, Beech High School
“I have done four BITZ campaigns over the past ten years. Once the project managers of the BITZ team understand just how dangerous distracted driving is, they become very passionate about communicating that danger to others. Seeing them work on something they are passionate about keeps me coming back.”
Kelsey O’Neill, student, Beech High School
“When the Beech DECA BITZ team visited Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, the experience was very eye-opening. Learning about what Nissan does after crashes, and how distracted driving can affect someone’s life gave us perspective on ways to structure our campaign to be more effective. It was also super cool to see how Vanderbilt Hospital treats patients who experience trauma from car crashes and all that goes into helping them.”
Leslie Mertz, teacher, Blackman High School
“The program is easy to do if you have student buy-in. You must have a person who is interested in making the public service announcement. It’s also a valid and much-needed discussion we need to have as a society. Students enjoy creating the public service announcements and participating in the events. They enjoy feeling like they’re making a difference in their world. It’s a good activity to add to their resume.”
Yashica Preston, teacher, Cane Ridge High School
“As a teacher sponsor, I appreciate that the program does more than simply tell students not to text and drive — it encourages them to think about their choices, personal responsibility, and the consequences distracted driving can have on themselves and others. The incentives help big-time and the student activities also help make the message more engaging and meaningful.”
Corporal Allan Rashid, School Resource Officer, Cheatham County Schools
“Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt’s program Be In The Zone Teen Driver Safety Program continues to make a lasting impact in our schools and communities by promoting safe driving habits among teen drivers. Since becoming a School Resource Officer assigned to high schools, I have had the privilege of participating in the BITZ program and witnessing firsthand the positive influence it has on students. The program provides schools and SROs with a structured, yearlong approach that keeps students engaged while encouraging creative and innovative ways to promote roadway safety.”
Donna Turpen, teacher, Montgomery Central High School
“Raising awareness of the campus is significant. The school community has unfortunately experienced significant injuries and fatalities involving teenagers on several occasions. The program specifics are clearly communicated, and the length of the campaign allows time to meet expectations. The program also offers lots of flexibility.”
