Global Youth Coalition Member Feature: Presley Connor

1. Where are you connected right now? Tell us about the work you're doing.
I am currently working with Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) as the Digital and Social Media Coordinator. SADD focuses on traffic safety, substance abuse prevention, and personal health and safety. We have found that these three topic areas intertwine quite often! SADD is present in high schools all across America and in some other countries, too! In the summer of 2020, I interned for the US Department of Transportation with NHTSA, which allowed me to see traffic safety from a governmental viewpoint. It’s exciting to see the impact that young people can make through partnerships and collaboration!

2. How did you first get involved in road safety?
I first took an interest in road safety around the age of 14, so as I was entering high school. I saw some of my older friends begin to get their licenses and make careless decisions behind the wheel; it scared and concerned me. It was obvious that my friends did not really know or care that their behavior behind the wheel was wrong. My community faced several teen traffic deaths while I was in high school and that grief motivated me to want more and to do more for the future of my generation.

3. Can you tell us a little bit about the road safety and sustainable mobility situation in your area? 
The United States is very lucky to have good, developed roads and established driving laws. However, drivers aren’t always educated or mindful of the proper behaviors while behind the wheel. The 4 Ds are a big problem here, and those are drowsy driving, drunk driving, drugged driving, and distracted driving. These impairments are incredibly dangerous and cause preventable wrecks that often result in injury or death. Drivers feel invincible or believe that it won’t happen to them, so they engage in these risky behaviors. We must continue to educate drivers and encourage safe driving habits to prevent roadway death and injury so that we may reach Vision Zero in the United States and in our world!

4. Why do you think it's important to include young people in local and global road safety efforts? 
Young people have to be involved in these conversations because they are the subject of the conversation!! These are OUR lives at stake, and we must be diligent in making sure we are represented at the decision-making table. We must work with our policymakers and leaders on every level to show a united front in defeating the pandemic that is roadway fatalities and injuries. Roadway deaths are avoidable, preventable, and extinguishable, but only if we agree to work together and create a safer environment for mobility. 

5. Why did you join the Global Youth Coalition for Road Safety? 
After attending the World Youth Assembly, I joined the Global Youth Coalition for Road Safety because it seemed like a step in the right direction to creating a better and more sustainable future. I believe our leaders are ready and willing to work with youth, and the Global Youth Coalition acts as a fantastic resource for those policymakers who are seeking motivated, young individuals who are ready to get involved and make a difference. I want to be part of the difference!

6. What are your comments on the Coalition? Its activities? Its opportunities?
The Coalition is a great space for anyone with a passion for advocacy and change to come and make connections around the globe, enhance their leadership skills, and embrace the power that they have as a young person. I’m thankful for the Coalition’s support on the local, national, and global levels, as we must be able to reach people at each of those tiers. Another unique thing that I particularly enjoy about the Coalition is its ability to deliver relevant news within the safe mobility space to young activists; it can sometimes be hard to find information on the latest developments within this field, so I’m thankful that the Coalition takes time to keep the members informed!

7. Any messages for people who have not yet joined the coalition? 
Do it! The Coalition is the PERFECT space for young leaders like you and me to grow, learn, and make a true change in our communities. If you’re still not sure, reach out to a current member! I’m certain that any of us would be more than happy to speak with you about the benefits of joining how you can begin #claimingyourspace.