From BOWLING GREEN FUTURE FARMERS OF AMERICA
The Bowling Green FFA chapter dedicated a week earlier this fall to raising awareness about the dangers of distracted driving. Throughout the week, FFA members led daily activities, announcements, and lessons designed to educate students about safe driving habits. Each day focused on a different theme and offered hands-on learning opportunities and practical strategies to encourage safer roads for everyone.
Monday: Eyes on the road
The week kicked-off focusing on the importance of keeping full attention on the road. FFA members taught agriculture education classes about the consequences of distractions, such as cell phones, food, and passengers. Students watched a safety video and discussed real-life examples of how quickly accidents can happen. Daily announcements reminded students, “Distracted driving doesn’t only put you at risk. It puts everyone around you in danger, too. Friends, family, and strangers. [We all] share the road. Let’s show them respect by giving driving our full attention.”
Tuesday: Phone-free driving
Tuesday’s focus was on preventing cell phone use behind the wheel. FFA members demonstrated how to turn on “Do not disturb while driving” and encouraged students to make it a regular habit. The daily announcement emphasized the message, “Every time you pick up your phone while driving, you’re choosing to take your eyes off the road. Even just a few seconds can change lives forever.”
Wednesday: Harvest season safety
With harvest season underway in northwest Ohio, Wednesday’s theme centered on sharing the road with farm machinery. In class, students watched a video about safety, encountering tractors and combines, and the importance of recognizing slow-moving vehicle (SMV) triangles and flashing lights. Students made their own SMV triangles labeled with what matters most to them, reinforcing the message that every life on the road has value. The day’s announcement reminded drivers, “Slow-moving vehicles can cause inconvenience. However, dangerously driving around these vehicles can cause something that you will regret. Watch for the triangle, slow down, and pass carefully.”
Thursday: Drive smart day
On Thursday, students learned about obeying speed limits in traffic. Wood County Sheriff Mark Wasylyshyn spoke about safe driving habits, the importance of responsible decision-making, and the real consequences of reckless driving. The announcement reinforced his message: “Driving is a privilege. Road laws and signs are not suggestions. They are enforced to keep everyone safe.”
Friday: School spirit and safety
The week wrapped-up with school spirit day, which encouraged students to wear school colors or show support for first responders or farmers. FFA member stood outside during arrival to check for seatbelt use. Students who were buckled received Smarties and those who were not received Dum-Dums. Students also watched a final safety video and were encouraged to make a personal commitment to distraction-free driving. The closing announcement stated, “This week we’ve talked about the dangers of distracted driving. Now, it’s your turn to take action. Make the promise, today, to stay focused behind the wheel.”
Bowling Green FFA’s distraction-free driving week successfully combined education, engagement, and hands-on activities to promote safer driving habits amongst students. The chapter hopes to reduce accidents, encourage responsibility, and remind the community that even small decisions can save lives.
Bowling Green FFA is a satellite program of the Penta Career Center.
