Illinois Department of Public Safety launched Operation Teen Safe Driving in 2007 after 15 teens died in crashes in a span of 15 months in Tazewell County.
The program has since expanded statewide.
Operation Teen Safe Driving challenges Illinois teens to create community-based programs to reduce traffic crash injuries and fatalities for teens.
Schools whose students best explain how to combat traffic safety problems and promote traffic safety awareness for teens receive a $2,000 grant from the program.
Fifteen Quad City-area schools were selected to compete for the grant in northwestern Illinois Region 3, including Rock Island High School in Rock Island, Illinois, Rockridge High School in Taylor Ridge and Riverdale High School in Port Byron. Each of the selected schools received the $2,000 grant.
Rockridge High School in Taylor Ridge took fifth place in the region in the competition, providing additional prize money with which they hosted a post-prom event.
Students from Pakota High School produced a video as part of Operation Teen Safe Driving.
