(KLZA)-- The Northwest Missouri Regional Council of Governments is offering an opportunity to educate parents and teenage drivers using evidence-based traffic safety education.

First Impact offers a FREE 90-minute evidence-based traffic safety program that educates parents about Missouri- Graduated Driver License law. Attendance is perfect for parents of teen drivers, ages 14 - 19 as well as new and soon to be drivers.

First Impact aims to eliminate motor vehicle fatalities and injuries among teens. It further attempts to reduce teen-involved crashes by increasing parental awareness and enforcement of Missouri's GDL law.

Objectives of the program are to increase awareness of: teen driving risks; Understanding of Missouri- GDL law: GDL monitoring and enforcement at home: and the importance of being a positive role model.

The program is delivered by trained Facilitators and Law Enforcement Officers who coach parents by presenting key facts and proven strategies to help parents lower their teen's crash risk by utilizing the Missouri GDL law.

The program is available free of charge and our facilitators can present the First Impact program anywhere within the northwest Missouri area that includes Atchison and Holt counties.

Funding is provided by MoDOT- Highway Safety & Traffic Division, Rusk Rehabilitation Hospital, and State Farm Insurance. For more information, or to schedule a free First Impact presentation, contact Heather Montenguise at 660-582-5121 or email

heather@nwmorcog.org.