Rollin’ On

Inexperience, distractions, speeding, immaturity — factors that plague young drivers and lead to traffic crashes being the number one cause of death for people ages 4 to 34.

Now in its eighth year, Lookin’ Out, a safe teen driving program provided by Erie Insurance, continues to answer the call to promote responsible driving among teens and curb teen crashes and resulting injuries and deaths.

“Nearly 6,000 teens die every year from crashes that are, for the most part, preventable,” says Matt Bresee, Erie Insurance Lookin’ Out program coordinator. “The problem is recognized as a national epidemic and our Agents are using Lookin’ Out to help combat the problem.”

What began in 2000 with three high schools in the Erie City School District has since awarded grants to more than 70 schools throughout eight states in Erie’s territories. And the numbers continue to grow.

Agents in action

Erie Insurance Agent Kim Mastrantonio of the Nancy Smith Agency serves as the Agent liaison for two schools in northern Pennsylvania: Athens and Sayre High Schools.

Kim is one of more than 40 Agents who have initiated Lookin’ Out programs.

Last spring, Kim was the recipient of a Redskin Spotlight Award, an honor given by the Sayre School District Board of Education that recognizes volunteers for their contributions to the Sayre community.

Kim was presented the award from the Lookin’ Out committee and applauded for her efforts in working with the students.

“The program is a great success and it’s been a wonderful experience,” says Kim. “I plan to keep working with the kids for many years to come.”

Kim’s involvement is just one example of how high school students and Erie Agents are working together to promote safe driving.

Grant applications are still being accepted for this school year.