Police, Schools Target Dangerous Teen Driving With Campaign

In response to a review of young adult accident statistics, the Avon Police Department and Avon Public Schools are joining forces to conduct an “Orange Ribbon Campaign.”

The campaign aims to raise awareness among Avon’s teen drivers about risky driving behaviors - including texting while driving, following too closely, driving too fast and failing to grant right of way - and their possible results. 

The one-day campaign, during which police and school officials will distribute orange ribbons, will take place the morning of Friday, June 21 at Avon High School and at other locations around town that teen drivers are known to frequent. Wearing or displaying the orange ribbons on a vehicle signifies an awareness of the dangers of inappropriate behaviors while driving and a pledge to drive safely. 

The effort comes after Avon Police researched and reviewed statistics regarding accidents and motor vehicle citations for drivers under age 22 in the community. The results show that following too closely, failing to grant right of way and driving too fast for conditions were the most common causes of at-fault accidents among young adult drivers.

In addition, police point to texting and driving, aggressive driving, driving under the influence and excessive risk-taking as other serious problem behaviors.

The results of the review “have caused us to take notice and has elevated our level of concern…” said Police Chief Mark Rinaldo and School Superintendent Gary Mala in a joint letter to Avon school families.

The two leaders ask the community to help by promoting awareness of safe driving for the health and safety of Avon’s young people.