Craven County Schools Participate in Teen Driver Awareness Week with “Seat Belts Save Lives” Challenge

High schools in Eastern North Carolina are participating in Teen Driver Awareness Week from October 21st-24th, with a special emphasis on safe driving habits and the importance of seatbelt use through the Seat Belts Save Lives Challenge.

This week’s campaign carries a deeply personal message, held in memory of Lawson Blevins, a West Craven High School senior who tragically lost his life earlier this year in a car accident. In his honor, students across the district are spreading awareness about the dangers young drivers face behind the wheel and the importance of making responsible choices.

Throughout the week, students are encouraged to sign a safety pledge committing to:

• Always wear their seat belts
• Avoid speeding
• Eliminate distractions such as cell phone use while driving

At New Bern High School and West Craven High, students have embraced the challenge with great enthusiasm. They each have a goal of reaching 500 signatures by the end of the week.

Lawson’s mother, Jamie Creech, expressed her gratitude and hope for the initiative, sharing:

“I am so thankful for the love and support that has been shown to me from the students and staff at NBHS and this community. Teen Safety Drivers Week holds a very special place in my heart, and I hope that this program will continue to flourish and spread awareness not only to teens but also to their families. This has shown me that one voice does matter and that my love for my son will forever continue through this.”

The Seat Belts Save Lives Challenge is part of the district’s ongoing commitment to student safety and awareness, empowering young drivers to make life-saving decisions every time they get behind the wheel.