City of Joplin to host First Impact teen drivers program

JOPLIN, Mo. — Teenage drivers are among the most vulnerable on the road, facing risks that can have life-altering consequences.

The City of Joplin is hosting a program aimed at helping to prepare teenage drivers for those challenges. The Joplin Health Department is holding the First Impact Teen Driver Program on Saturday, January 18, from 2:30 to 4 p.m. at the Joplin Public Library, 1901 E. 20th Street. 

“There are phases that new drivers have to go through before they can get their full drivers license,” said Suzan Morang, the City of Joplin Community Health Planner/Educator. “That can be confusing, so that is one of the main focuses for this program.”

This free program is designed for parents, guardians, and teen drivers, offering vital tools and knowledge to promote safer driving habits.

“It is available to any family or any teen driver in the Joplin area,” Morang said. “They can come from as far away as they want to as long as they’re willing to drive the distance. It is certainly not limited to Joplin residents. “We have had people come from all over the four-state area.” 

Statistics paint a stark picture of the dangers teen drivers face. According to the First Impact program, drivers aged 15-19 have the highest crash risk of any age group. Teen drivers are three times more likely to be involved in a fatal crash, with the first 30 to 90 days of independent driving being the most perilous. By focusing on education and proactive engagement, First Impact aims to reduce the risk of fatalities and injuries among teen drivers by 20-40%.

The program introduces parents to the unique risks new drivers encounter and provides strategies for monitoring, coaching, and supporting their teens. 

Attendees will gain insights into how distractions, speed, and inexperience contribute to crashes, as well as ways to combat these issues. Parents and teens will also learn about Missouri’s Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) laws and how to use them effectively to enhance safety.

Beyond the classroom, the program emphasizes the importance of open communication between parents and teen drivers. It equips parents with practical tools to guide their teens during the critical early stages of driving, fostering confidence and awareness.

The First Impact Teen Driver Program is not only an educational experience but also a community effort to make local roads safer. By empowering families, it seeks to create a ripple effect that extends far beyond individual participants.

Registration is required, and families are encouraged to sign up early as space may be limited. For more information, visit the First Impact website or contact the Joplin Health Department.

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