In a powerful collaboration that brings education, creativity and real-world safety lessons together, Wilton High School physical education teacher Dr. Kelly Holtz and media production teacher Maria Breece have teamed up with the Wilton Police Department to deliver a one-of-a-kind program focused on safe driving awareness.
They, along with student sin the Drive Wise Club and Video Club, have made learning about the dangers of distracted driving a staple of the school’s fall curriculum — and for good reason.
Now in its fourth year, the initiative kicks off each October to occur with National Teen Driver Safety Week, serving as a timely reminder of the importance of keeping eyes and minds on the road.
The program begins with a project-based learning unit, where students in Breece’s video class write, film and produce public service announcements (PSAs) about the dangers of distracted driving. These student-created videos are shown throughout the school and on social media, sparking peer-to-peer conversations and reflections.
From there, students take part in driving simulators that mimic real-life scenarios involving texting, speeding and other risky behaviors behind the wheel. These hands-on activities, led by Holtz’s Drive Wise Club, are designed to make a lasting impression.
“We want students to understand not just the ‘what’ but the ‘why,’” Holtz said. “Why it matters when someone speeds. Why a few seconds looking at your phone can change a life. This isn’t just about rules—it’s about responsibility.”
Adding another layer of depth, WHS School Resource Officer Christopher Ventura demonstrated for students how speed is detected using radar guns and explained how enforcement plays a role in keeping roads safe. He also shared real-life stories from the field, some tragic, others hopeful, that underscore the program’s message.
The collaboration has not only strengthened relationships between students and law enforcement, but also empowered teens to become advocates for road safety in their own homes and communities.
“With distracted driving still one of the leading causes of crashes among young drivers, initiatives like this are more important than ever. We want learning to be meaningful, so when we plan, we always put them first,” Breece said.
Students taking part in creating the program have their own message, for both peers and others sharing the road: this October, let’s all take a moment to remember that every message can wait — safe driving starts with smart choices.