NJSIAA partners with New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety on “Be a Winner Behind the Wheel” campaign

Messaging to benefit first-time, teen drivers

ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (Oct. 19, 2021) – The NJSIAA has partnered with the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety on the “Be a Winner Behind the Wheel” campaign, which will provide safe driving messaging to teens, their families, and communities at large. The co-branded platform will be communicated during NJSIAA championship sporting events via traditional media and interactive promotions aimed at engaging students. Content will also be provided via social media, as well as print and digital newsletters.

The Division of Highway Traffic Safety has identified five key areas of focus for keeping teens safe on the road.  The “Be A Winner Behind the Wheel” campaign will emphasize the following platforms:

• Prevention of impaired driving
• The components of the state’s Graduated Driver License, via the “Stick to It” campaign
• Dangers of speeding
• Risk of distracted driving, via the related “Take Control of your Destiny” campaign
• Seat belt awareness

“There’s an element of risk when you’re behind the wheel, and that’s particularly true for young drivers,” says NJSIAA Executive Director Colleen Maguire. “With the ‘Be a Winner Behind the Wheel’ campaign, we seek to leverage our access to scholastic-athletes to share vital information that can help reduce the degree of danger. It’s an undertaking that can impact many lives, and I’m proud our association is involved in this effort.”

Another component of the campaign will be an HTS safe driving pledge, which students will be encouraged to take.

About the Division of Highway Traffic Safety (HTS)

The HTS works to prevent motor vehicle-related crashes and the resulting property damage, injuries, and fatalities on New Jersey’s roadways. HTS is responsible for administering the State & Community Highway Safety Program, which annually distributes approximately $20 million in federal funding to develop and implement a statewide highway safety plan. The Director of HTS also serves as the Governor’s representative to the Governor’s Highway Safety Association and The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

About the NJSIAA                                                                                                                                          

Established in 1918, the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) is a voluntary, non-profit organization comprised of 435 accredited public and non-public high schools. A member of the National Federation of State High School Associations, the NJSIAA conducts tournaments and crowns champions in 33 sports. Championship competition for girls is sponsored in basketball, bowling, cross country, fencing, field hockey, golf, gymnastics, lacrosse, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis, outdoor track, winter track, volleyball, and wrestling. Boys’ championships are determined in baseball, basketball, bowling, cross country, fencing, football, golf, ice hockey, lacrosse, soccer, swimming, tennis, outdoor track, winter track, volleyball, and wrestling.

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