Teen Driving Made a Priority by Local Agencies and Schools

COURT HOUSE – On Oct. 10, 2013, Middle Township High School hosted NJ’s Share the Keys – 90 minute research based and data driven program designed to reduce teen crashes by increasing parental knowledge and involvement. High school students were required to attend with their parents to obtain parking privileges.
Prior to the presentation, State Farm presented at $10,000 check to the South Jersey Traffic Safety Alliance for presentations by Matt Maher to high school and college students upon his release from jail in 2014. A Cape May County resident and Middle Township High School graduate, Matt went on to play professional soccer for the Philadelphia Kixx. During that time he was involved in a DWI crash that killed a man and was sentenced to 5 ½ years in jail. Prior to his jail term, Matt partnered with the Alliance and spoke to over 7,000 students about the dangers and consequences of drinking and driving. He has continued his efforts from jail and wants to pick up where he left off upon his release. Matt’s parents Andrea and John Maher, along with local State Farm Agent Rob Gleason (Rio Grande) and Debbie Tallant from Agent Bob Noels office (CMCH) were present.
Jennifer Young, Community Field Specialist for State Farm presented the check saying “Teen driving is a priority for State Farm and we were truly impressed with Mr. Maher’s presentation and look forward to supporting his continued effort to educate young drivers and the dangers and consequences of drinking and driving.”
Only half of the $10,000 is for “Celebrate My Drive” teen driving grant for the Matt Maher I’m That Guy After Jail presentations. The other half is for other teen driving programs and senior driving programs implemented by the Alliance.
Teresa Thomas, SJTSA Program Manager thanked State Farm for their support over the years and thanked Matt’s parents Andrea and John Maher saying “Matt has been able to continue with his message from jail thanks to the website they host and the daily blog entries they write. It has truly been an honor to work with them.”
Following the Share the Keys presentation, NJ Motor Vehicle Commission Chief Raymond Martinez addressed the crowd and talked about MVC’s role and the important of parental involvement with their teen’s driving. He also advised teens that it is their responsibility to not take unnecessary changes on the road and reminded them every time their parents hand over the keys to the car they are trusting that they will follow the rules of the road.
Celebrate My Drive includes a high school competition where 10 high schools win $100,000, 2 of which also win a concert with Kelly Clarkson, and another 90 schools win $25,000. The competition runs from Oct. 18 through 26 and anyone with an email account can vote once a day for their school. Middle Township High School is one of 3,125 registered to participate nationally.