For press information, contact Curt Guenther, 901/678-2843

The “Alive at 25” defensive driving course taught by the University of Memphis has received a Trend Setter Award from the National Safety Council (NSC). The award honors driver training centers that are continually striving to improve their programs in order to make highways and communities safer. It was presented to the U of M program at the NSC’s national convention in San Diego earlier in October.

This is the fourth year in a row that the U of M program has been recognized nationally.

“Alive at 25, aimed at teenage drivers, teaches them that every decision has a consequence. It encourages them to adopt safe practices while driving and to take responsibility for their behavior behind the wheel. Taught through the University’s Continuing Education Program, the program was initiated in 1996 after several fatal car crashes in Shelby County. Thus far, it has been presented to more than 40,000 students.

Tommy Roberson, center, driving programs coordinator for the Continuing Education program at the University of Memphis, accepts the National Safety Council’s Trend Setter Award from John Kennedy, NSC VP for Education and Programs, and Janet Froetscher, president and CEO of the NSC. (NSC photo)

Currently, “Alive at 25” is a part of the curriculum at 14 area schools – Bartlett, Bolton, Christian Brothers, Collierville, Germantown, and Houston high schools, and Briarcrest Christian School, Fayette Academy, Lausanne, MUS, St. Agnes, St. Benedict’s, St. Mary’s, and Tipton-Rosemark Academy.

More information about “Alive at 25” is available by phone at 901-678-6000 or online at www.memphis.edu/umce