MCHS announces​ 2nd annual cross-​county student challenge to raise awareness for seat belt safety.

Madison, Switzerland County, Southwestern, and South Ripley

School resource officers from Madison, Switzerland County, Southwestern, and South Ripley will once again join forces to launch the 2nd annual cross-county challenge to high school drivers to Buckle Up For Safety.

MCHS School Resource Officer Jacob McVey is working with the Resource Officers from surrounding schools to spread the word. “We want student drivers to understand the importance of using seat belts when driving. All too often we see the aftermath of accidents where the simple act of buckling up can mean the difference between life and death. While this is a serious safety concern, it is a simple task and our goal is to encourage safe driving habits. When our Resource Officers met to discuss the topic, we thought a competition between the schools would be fun and a great way to raise awareness.”

At random points within the school year, school officials will set up parking lot checks and will document each driver and passenger who arrive to school wearing their seatbelt. The dates will be coordinated through the Resource Officers and conducted on the same date, but will not be announced ahead of time. The school with the largest number of students buckled up, will win that round of the competition.

Madison and Southwestern added to the challenge last year with a travelling trophy. Southwestern won the inaugural challenge and was presented with the keepsake during the annual Turkey Shootout Cubs/Rebels basketball game. “We know this is a big game for our schools and community and we really want to have some fun with this campaign. Our officers would like to plan additional ways to reward each school and their students in ways which will be meaningful and create some healthy competition to raise awareness,” states McVey.