Civic Learning Opportunity Issue: Distracted Driving Overview This activity uses the public issue of distracted driving (especially texting while driving) to help students learn about roles of government, legislative process, leadership, civic participation and other topics; analyze and think critically about information; and engage in civic action to make a difference. Objective Using the example of texting while driving laws, students will learn about: Public issues related to distracted driving Legislative process in North Carolina Analyzing and thinking critically about information related to public policy Strategies used to identify and address public issues in NC and other states Opportunities to take civic action to help solve a problem Grades The activity targets students in Civics & Economics, and can also be used in 8 th grade social studies and other courses. Aligns to Common Core and NC Essential Standards for social studies (attached). It is also easily adapted for other grades and subjects. This activity is sponsored by www.GenerationNation.org GenerationNation @GenNation
1. Civic Learning Opportunity Issue: Distracted Driving
Overview This activity uses the public issue of distracted driving
(especially texting while driving) to help students learn about
roles of government, legislative process, leadership, civic
participation and other topics; analyze and think critically about
information; and engage in civic action to make a difference.
Objective Using the example of texting while driving laws, students
will learn about: Public issues related to distracted driving
Legislative process in North Carolina Analyzing and thinking
critically about information related to public policy Strategies
used to identify and address public issues in NC and other states
Opportunities to take civic action to help solve a problem Grades
The activity targets students in Civics & Economics, and can
also be used in 8th grade social studies and other courses. Aligns
to Common Core and NC Essential Standards for social studies
(attached). It is also easily adapted for other grades and
subjects. This activity is sponsored by www.GenerationNation.org
GenerationNation @GenNation
2. Civic Learning Opportunity LEARN ABOUT THE ISSUE Distracted
Driving More people have mobile phones than ever before. Many use
the device to send text messages, sometimes while driving. People
who text while they are driving are distracted drivers resulting in
accidents, injury and loss of life. Many teen drivers or passengers
report using cell phones and texting while in the car. A few
statistics from the Federal Communications Commission: The National
Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that in 2010, driver
distraction was the cause of 18 percent of all fatal crashes with
3,092 people killed and crashes resulting in an injury with 416,000
people wounded. Forty percent of all American teens say they have
been in a car when the driver used a cell phone in a way that put
people in danger, according to a Pew survey. The Virginia Tech
Transportation Institute found that text messaging creates a crash
risk 23 times worse than driving while not distracted. Eleven
percent of drivers aged 18 to 20 who were involved in an automobile
accident and survived admitted they were sending or receiving texts
when they crashed. In May 2013, Missouri teen Savannah Nash was
killed in an accident just 6 days after getting her drivers
license. Law enforcement reported that the teenager was texting
when she pulled in front of a truck. Wonder how texting impacts
driving? Play SMS Racing and find out. (see resource page)
Government addresses the issue Across the country, citizens and
leaders have identified distracted driving as a major public issue.
Different states and agencies have recommended and approved
different policies and laws to address the issue. (Use the web
resource guide to read more about other states.) In North Carolina,
legislators in the General Assembly passed a law in 2006
prohibiting teens from using cell phones while driving. In 2009,
additional legislation targeted texting while driving. After
several meetings, votes and revisions, the bill was passed into law
and took effect on December 1, 2009. It prohibits drivers of any
age from texting while driving. The Town of Chapel Hill enacted an
ordinance a local law prohibiting any driver of any age from using
a cell phone while driving (both handheld and handsfree). The ban
was supposed to be effective October 1, 2013, but has been
challenged by the NC Supreme Court. www.GenerationNation.org
GenerationNation @GenNation
3. Civic Learning Opportunity THINK AND ANALYZE Here are a few
essential questions to start thinking about and analyzing this
issue: How does a public issue come to the attention of lawmakers?
Do you think it is governments business to know what you do as an
individual? How does this tie in with rights and responsibilities?
Why does a legislator decide to sponsor a bill? What is the purpose
of a cosponsor? What are some reasons a lawmaker might have to vote
for/against a bill like a cell phone or texting ban? What are the
key steps in the legislative process? How do you find out what the
laws are? Do you think laws are easy to read and understand? Why or
why not? Do you think the cell phone and texting laws help to solve
the problem of distracted driving? Are the penalties high enough?
Do you have other ideas for ending the problem? Do you think the
laws for teens and adults should be different? Why or why not? Why
do you think they are different? Do you think teens understand the
issues/laws about distracted driving? Why or why not? Can you think
of other examples of laws, policies or issues that specifically
impact young people? Do you think public officials care what young
people think? Why or why not? How can student voice make a
difference? www.GenerationNation.org GenerationNation
@GenNation
4. Civic Learning Opportunity YOUR TURN: DECIDE AND ACT
Citizens and leaders collaborate to solve problems. As a student,
your perspective is important for effective policies and decisions
impacting young people. What do YOU think about distracted driving
and teens? Do you think that the laws are making a difference? How
would you address the issue? Whats the law? Read and summarize the
legislation, and then answer these questions: Does the legislation
state the problem, and the solution, clearly? What is the
punishment for violating the law? Is this an effective deterrent?
The different versions of the bill show which words were added or
deleted as it was revised and then approved. Were the edits
helpful? Do most students know about the distracted driving laws?
How should they be publicized to reach the most people? See what
other states are doing to solve the problem. Write your own
legislation. What are you proposing that is different? Why? Make
your voice heard Public officials make decisions that impact us
every day. Do you have an idea to solve the problem of teen
distracted driving? Let them know whats on your mind! The news
media helps to highlight public issues and governments policies and
solutions. Social media is a great tool for sharing information.
And, many public officials, journalists, and teens use it. Do you
have an idea to solve the problem of teen distracted driving? Write
a news article or opinion, make a video, or post your idea on
social media. Share it with GenerationNation. Well make sure to let
officials and media know! Make a Wish for My Community/Photovoice
(see resources) Contact officials (see resources) Celebrate My
Drive State Farm encourages teens and teachers, parents, and others
at your school and in the community to make a commitment to safe
driving. To celebrate and encourage this commitment, State Farm
invites you to participate in Celebrate My Drive. Register, and
then ask people to make a commitment to safe driving daily during
Celebrate My Drive week. The schools with the most safe driving
commitments can win BIG grants and prizes. State Farm agents can
also visit your classroom to talk about safe driving, personal
financial literacy, and related topics. Contact GenerationNation to
learn more. www.GenerationNation.org GenerationNation
@GenNation
5. Civic Learning Opportunity RESOURCES Federal Communications
Commission The Dangers of Texting While Driving
http://www.fcc.gov/guides/textingwhiledriving Governors Highway
Safety Association Laws in each state
http://www.ghsa.org/html/stateinfo/laws/cellphone_laws.html Texting
teen dies 6 days after getting license
http://www.kctv5.com/story/22276100/persondiesinwreckincasscounty
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/textingcausedteencrashdeathcopsarticle
1.1347892 Can you be liable for texting a driver (New Jersey laws)
http://www.cnn.com/2013/08/29/tech/mobile/textingdrivingjerseyexplainer/index.html
Poll finds support for cell phone/driving restrictions
http://www.newsobserver.com/2010/02/22/351576/inpollncsayshangupanddrive.html
OMG! R U driving while texting?
http://www.newsobserver.com/2009/11/29/216464/omgrudrivingnctextingban.html
Teen drivers who text are more persistent, harder to catch
http://www.newsobserver.com/2012/07/02/2191125/textingteensmorepersistent.html
About the North Carolina General Assembly
http://generationnation.org/index.php/learn/entry/northcarolinageneralassembly
A students guide to finding legislation online
http://generationnation.org/index.php/learn/entry/findinglegislationonlineadvicefromastudent
NC Laws: Texting NC General Statute
http://www.ncleg.net/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/BySection/Chapter_20/GS_20
137.4A.html NC House Bill 9 / State
http://www.ncga.state.nc.us/gascripts/BillLookUp/BillLookUp.pl?Session=2009&BillID=
H9 www.GenerationNation.org GenerationNation @GenNation
6. Civic Learning Opportunity Cell phone use prohibited for
drivers under 18 NC Senate Bill 1289
http://www.ncga.state.nc.us/gascripts/BillLookUp/BillLookUp.pl?Session=2005&BillID=s
1289 NC General Statute
http://www.ncga.state.nc.us/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/BySection/Chapter_20
/GS_20137.3.html Texting while driving ban becomes law
http://www.wral.com/news/state/story/5394218/ Town of Chapel Hill
Cell Phone Ban (no handheld or handsfree while driving)
www.townofchapelhill.org/cellphoneban Related court case:
http://appellate.nccourts.org/opinions/?c=1&pdf=31737 NC
Advocates for Justice
http://ncadvocatesforjustice.wordpress.com/2013/07/15/bantractortrailertruckdriverstexting
onncroadsnow/ State Farm Teen Drivers
http://learningcenter.statefarm.com/auto/teendrivers/ State Farm
Celebrate My Drive http://www.celebratemydrive.com/ * Register your
school by October 7
http://www.celebratemydrive.com/Registration.aspx * Highlight safe
driving by getting people to sign the commitment pledge win big
grants and prizes for your school!
http://celebratemydrive.com/Prizes SMS Racing Simulator Texting
while driving (play in browser or download; classroom version
available) http://holdenlink.com/project/smsracing/ A Wish or Idea
for My Community
http://generationnation.org/index.php/learn/entry/mywishandideas
Talking with Officials
http://www.generationnation.org/documents/LocalGovt_whodoeswhat.pdf
www.GenerationNation.org GenerationNation @GenNation
7. Civic Learning Opportunity Alignment The activities are
flexible to plug into your lesson plan. Suggested ways to align to
Common Core and NC Essential Standards include the following. Grade
10 Common Core CCSS.ELALiteracy.RH.910.1 Cite specific textual
evidence to support analysis of primary and secondary sources,
attending to such features as the date and origin of the
information. CCSS.ELALiteracy.RH.910.2 Determine the central ideas
or information of a primary or secondary source; provide an
accurate summary of how key events or ideas develop over the course
of the text. CCSS.ELALiteracy.RH.910.3 Analyze in detail a series
of events described in a text; determine whether earlier events
caused later ones or simply preceded them.
CCSS.ELALiteracy.RH.910.4 Determine the meaning of words and
phrases as they are used in a text, including vocabulary describing
political, social, or economic aspects of history/social science.
CCSS.ELALiteracy.RH.910.9 Compare and contrast treatments of the
same topic in several primary and secondary sources.
CCSS.ELALiteracy.WHST.910.1 Write arguments focused on
disciplinespecific content. CCSS.ELALiteracy.WHST.910.2 Write
informative/explanatory texts, including the narration of
historical events, scientific procedures/ experiments, or technical
processes. Civics & Economics CE.C&G.2 Analyze government
systems within the United States in terms of their structure,
function and relationships. CE.C&G.2.1 Analyze the structures
of national, state and local governments in terms of ways they are
organized to maintain order, security, welfare of the public and
the protection of citizens (e.g., federalism, the three branches,
court system, jurisdictions, judicial process, agencies, etc.).
www.GenerationNation.org GenerationNation @GenNation
8. Civic Learning Opportunity CE.C&G.2.2 Summarize the
functions of North Carolina state and local governments within the
federal system of government (e.g., local charters, maintain a
militia, pass ordinances and laws, collect taxes, supervise
elections, maintain highways, types of local governments, etc.).
CE.C&G.2.6 Evaluate the authority federal, state and local
governments have over individuals rights and privileges.
CE.C&G.2.7 Analyze contemporary issues and governmental
responses at the local, state, and national levels in terms of how
they promote the public interest and/or general welfare.
CE.C&G.3.2 Compare lawmaking processes of federal, state and
local governments (e.g., committee system, legislative process,
bills, laws, veto, filibuster, cloture, proposition, etc.).
CE.C&G.3.5 Compare jurisdictions and methods of law enforcement
applied at each level of government, the consequences of
noncompliance to laws at each level and how each reflects equal
protection under the law(e.g., Department of Justice, Regulatory
Commissions, FBI. SBI, Homeland Security, Magistrate, State
troopers, Sheriff, City police, Ordinance, Statute, Regulation,
Fines, Arrest, etc.). CE.C&G.3.6 Explain ways laws have been
influenced by political parties, constituents, interest groups,
lobbyists, the media and public opinion (e.g., extension of
suffrage, labor legislation, civil rights legislation, military
policy, environmental legislation, business regulation and
educational policy). CE.C&G.4.3 Analyze the roles of citizens
of North Carolina and the United States in terms of
responsibilities, participation, civic life and criteria for
membership or admission (e.g., voting, jury duty, lobbying,
interacting successfully with government agencies, organizing and
working in civic groups, volunteering, petitioning, etc.)
CE.C&G.4.4 Analyze the obligations of citizens by determining
when their personal desires, interests and involvement are
subordinate to the good of the nation or state (e.g., Patriot Act,
Homeland Security, sedition, civil rights, equal rights under the
law, jury duty, Selective Services Act, rule
www.GenerationNation.org GenerationNation @GenNation
9. Civic Learning Opportunity of law, eminent domain, etc.)
Grade 8 CCSS.ELALiteracy.RH.68.1 Cite specific textual evidence to
support analysis of primary and secondary sources.
CCSS.ELALiteracy.RH.68.2 Determine the central ideas or information
of a primary or secondary source; provide an accurate summary of
the source distinct from prior knowledge or opinions.
CCSS.ELALiteracy.RH.68.3 Identify key steps in a texts description
of a process related to history/social studies (e.g., how a bill
becomes law, how interest rates are raised or lowered).
CCSS.ELALiteracy.WHST.68.1 Write arguments focused on
disciplinespecific content. CCSS.ELALiteracy.WHST.68.2 Write
informative/explanatory texts, including the narration of
historical events, scientific procedures/ experiments, or technical
processes. 8.H.3.2 Explain how changes brought about by technology
and other innovations affected individuals and groups in North
Carolina and the United States (e.g. advancements in
transportation, communication networks and business practices).
8.H.3.3 Explain how individuals and groups have influenced
economic, political and social change in North Carolina and the
United States. 8.H.3.4 Compare historical and contemporary issues
to understand continuity and change in the development of North
Carolina and the United States. www.GenerationNation.org
GenerationNation @GenNation
10. GS_20-137.3
http://www.ncga.state.nc.us/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/BySection/Chapter_20/GS_20-1...
20-137.3. Unlawful use of a mobile phone by persons under 18 years
of age. (a) Definitions. - The following definitions apply in this
section: (1) Additional technology. - Any technology that provides
access to digital media including, but not limited to, a camera,
music, the Internet, or games. The term does not include electronic
mail or text messaging. (2) Mobile telephone. - A device used by
subscribers and other users of wireless telephone service to access
the service. The term includes: (i) a device with which a user
engages in a call using at least one hand, and (ii) a device that
has an internal feature or function, or that is equipped with an
attachment or addition, whether or not permanently part of the
mobile telephone, by which a user engages in a call without the use
of either hand, whether or not the use of either hand is necessary
to activate, deactivate, or initiate a function of such telephone.
(3) Wireless telephone service. - A service that is a two-way
real-time voice telecommunications service that is interconnected
to a public switched telephone network and is provided by a
commercial mobile radio service, as such term is defined by 47
C.F.R. 20.3. (b) Offense. - Except as otherwise provided in this
section, no person under the age of 18 years shall operate a motor
vehicle on a public street or highway or public vehicular area
while using a mobile telephone or any additional technology
associated with a mobile telephone while the vehicle is in motion.
This prohibition shall not apply to the use of a mobile telephone
or additional technology in a stationary vehicle. (c) Seizure. -
The provisions of this section shall not be construed as
authorizing the seizure or forfeiture of a mobile telephone, unless
otherwise provided by law. (d) Exceptions. - The provisions of
subsection (b) of this section shall not apply if the use of a
mobile telephone is for the sole purpose of communicating with: (1)
Any of the following regarding an emergency situation: an emergency
response operator; a hospital, physician's office, or health
clinic; a public or privately owned ambulance company or service; a
fire department; or a law enforcement agency. (2) The motor vehicle
operator's parent, legal guardian or spouse. (e) Penalty. - Any
person violating this section shall have committed an infraction
and shall pay a fine of twenty-five dollars ($25.00). This offense
is an offense for which a defendant may waive the right to a
hearing or trial and admit responsibility for the infraction
pursuant to G.S. 7A-148. No drivers license points, insurance
surcharge, or court costs shall be assessed as a result of a
violation of this section. (2006-177, s. 1; 2009-135, s. 1.)
11. G.S. 20-137.4A
http://www.ncleg.net/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/BySection/Chapter_20/GS_20-137.4A...
20-137.4A. Unlawful use of mobile telephone for text messaging or
electronic mail. (a) Offense. - It shall be unlawful for any person
to operate a vehicle on a public street or highway or public
vehicular area while using a mobile telephone to: (1) Manually
enter multiple letters or text in the device as a means of
communicating with another person; or (2) Read any electronic mail
or text message transmitted to the device or stored within the
device, provided that this prohibition shall not apply to any name
or number stored in the device nor to any caller identification
information. (a1) Motor Carrier Offense. - It shall be unlawful for
any person to operate a commercial motor vehicle subject to Part
390 or 392 of Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations on a
public street or highway or public vehicular area while using a
mobile telephone or other electronic device in violation of those
Parts. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to prohibit
the use of hands-free technology. (b) Exceptions. - The provisions
of this section shall not apply to: (1) The operator of a vehicle
that is lawfully parked or stopped. (2) Any of the following while
in the performance of their official duties: a law enforcement
officer; a member of a fire department; or the operator of a public
or private ambulance. (3) The use of factory-installed or
aftermarket global positioning systems (GPS) or wireless
communications devices used to transmit or receive data as part of
a digital dispatch system. (4) The use of voice operated
technology. (c) Penalty. - A violation of this section while
operating a school bus, as defined in G.S. 20-137.4(a)(4), shall be
a Class 2 misdemeanor and shall be punishable by a fine of not less
than one hundred dollars ($100.00). Any other violation of this
section shall be an infraction and shall be punishable by a fine of
one hundred dollars ($100.00) and the costs of court. No drivers
license points or insurance surcharge shall be assessed as a result
of a violation of this section. Failure to comply with the
provisions of this section shall not constitute negligence per se
or contributory negligence per se by the operator in any action for
the recovery of damages arising out of the operation, ownership, or
maintenance of a vehicle. (2009-135, s. 2; 2012-78, s. 9.)
12. YIELD 1 3 5 2 4 R When teens drive 2N2, its a cause to
CELEBRATE YIELD 1 3 5 2 4 R YIELD 1 3 5 2 4 R WHAT? Celebrate My
Drive encourages teens to make positive choices as they begin
driving, like 2N2 -- 2 eyes on the road, 2 hands on the wheel.
YIELD 1 3 5 2 4 R WHY? More teens die from car crashes than any
other cause and the first year is the most dangerous. YIELD 1 3 5 2
4 R YIELD 1 3 5 2 4 R YIELD 1 3 5 2 4 R SPEED LIMIT 25 YIELD 1 3 5
2 4 R SPEED LIMIT 25 YIELD 1 3 5 2 4 R SPEED LIMIT 25 YIELD 1 3 5 2
4 R SPEED LIMIT 25 YIELD 1 3 5 2 4 R SPEED LIMIT 25 YIELD 1 3 5 2 4
R SPEED LIMIT 25 YIELD 1 3 5 2 4 R SPEED LIMIT 25 YIELD 1 3 5 2 4 R
SPEED LIMIT 25 YIELD 1 3 5 2 4 R SPEED LIMIT 25 YIELD 1 3 5 2 4 R
SPEED LIMIT 25 YIELD 1 3 5 2 4 R SPEED LIMIT 25 YIELD 1 3 5 2 4 R
SPEED LIMIT 25 WHEN? U.S. National Teen Driver Safety Week, October
15-24, 2014 WHO? High school students age 14+, along with their
schools, communities, friends and families, uniting to take part in
local Celebrate My Drive events and make safe driving commitments.
The 100 high schools with the most commitments will be awarded a
total of $3.25 million* in grants: 2 schools receive a $100,000
grant and a Grand Prize Concert by GRAMMY Nominated The Band Perry
8 schools get a $100,000 grant 90 schools get a $25,000 grant Learn
more and register your high school at celebratemydrive.com and Like
us at facebook.com/CelebrateMyDrive for news and updates. *10% of
each grant award must be allocated to teen driver safety programs.
THE STATE FARM CELEBRATE MY DRIVE PROMOTION ABBREVIATED RULES. NO
PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. Open to legal residents of the
U.S. & DC (except NH), Canadian provinces of Alberta, New
Brunswick & Ontario who are 14 yrs or older with Internet
access & a valid e-mail address. Void in New Hampshire, Quebec,
Nova Scotia, Manitoba, British Columbia, Prince Edward Island,
Saskatchewan & Newfoundland/Labrador. NOTE: Any high school
that won a Grand or First Prize in the 2013 State Farm Celebrate My
Drive Promotion is not eligible to win a Grand or First Prize in
this 2014 Promotion. High school registration is required to
participate. Registration begins at 12:00:01 AM CT on 08/01/14.
Registration ends at 11:59:59 PM CT on 10/07/14. Register at
www.celebratemydrive.com where directions are provided. All
registered high schools will be divided into 2 categories: Large:
750+ students or Small: Fewer than 750 students. Make a Safe
Driving Commitment between 12:00:00 AM CT on 10/15/14 &
11:59:59 PM CT on 10/24/14 at www.celebratemydrive.com. Limit (1)
commitment, per person, per e-mail address, per day. Odds of
winning depend on the total number of commitments received for each
high school. Grand Prizes: (1) per category: $100,000 USD Grant
& a Concert. First Prizes: (4) per category: $100,000 USD
Grant. (90) Second Prizes (45) per category: $25,000 USD Grant.
Taxes are each high schools responsibility. High school
representative of any winning Canadian high schools will be
required to correctly answer a time-limited mathematical
skill-testing question. For the name of the winning high schools,
visit www.celebratemydrive.com or send a SASE to: Celebrate My
Drive Winners, P.O. Box 13199, Bridgeport, CT 06673-3199. Contest
subject to the full Official Rules available at
www.celebratemydrive.com or by sending a SASE to: Celebrate My
Drive Rules, P.O. Box 13199, Bridgeport, CT 06673-3199. Residents
of Canada & VT may omit return postage. Sponsor/Prize Provider:
State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, Bloomington, IL.
Administrator: teamDigital Promotions, Inc., Bethel, CT. GRAMMY is
a registered trademark of National Academy of Recording Arts &
Sciences, Inc.
13. We can increase teen driver safety Whats your big idea? Tag
your photo #GenNation #charmeckyouth post on social media