PHOENIX – The Arizona Chapter National Safety Council (ACNSC) has received an $83,000 grant from the Arizona Governor’s Office of Highway Safety (GOHS) to expand its Alive at 25 defensive driving program to high schools statewide, at no cost to schools or students.
The funding gives high schools across Arizona an opportunity to provide young drivers with practical safety education. Funding is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Schools are encouraged to act immediately.
“We’re grateful to the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety for recognizing the importance of reaching young drivers early and investing in their safety,” says Rick Murray, President and CEO of ACNSC. “This partnership gives us an opportunity to reach students in communities across Arizona, helping protect them, their passengers, and everyone who shares the road.”
Addressing Arizona’s Teen Driver Safety Challenges
Motor vehicle crashes remain a leading cause of death among teenagers. According to the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), nearly 600 young drivers ages 15 to 24 were killed in crashes between 2020 and 2024.
Developed by the National Safety Council, Alive at 25 is a four-hour, instructor-led course designed specifically for young drivers ages 15 to 24. Rather than focusing on driving mechanics, the program addresses the decisions and behaviors behind crashes, including speeding, distractions, impaired driving, peer pressure, and inexperience.
The interactive course uses videos, real-world scenarios, and group discussions to engage students. Designed to complement traditional driver’s education, it also covers Arizona traffic laws.
Building on Success in Arizona Schools
The statewide expansion builds on existing Alive at 25 partnerships in Arizona. The City of Glendale became the first Arizona city to offer the program in 2022 and provides it at no cost to students at nine high schools.
More recently, Tolleson Union High School District expanded Alive at 25 to seven campuses through its summer programming, with nearly 80 students registering for the course.
Arizona High Schools Encouraged to Act Now
With the $83,000 GOHS grant, ACNSC is seeking additional school partnerships throughout Arizona. Schools interested in offering Alive at 25 should contact ACNSC immediately, as funding is limited and opportunities will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
To learn more, contact Barbeth Shea Pinkney at 602-989-9007 or bpinkney@acnsc.org.