PIERRE, S.D. (Press Release) – Once again this year, a Governor’s Proclamation is being used to remind motorists of all ages that being safe drivers not only protects them, but others.

Gov. Kristi Noem has declared Saturday, April 20, as Safe Driving Day in South Dakota. The proclamation states that impaired and distracted drivers pose a significant threat to the lives of others. The proclamation encourages drivers to be safe by slowing down, not becoming distracted and by wearing a seatbelt.

“We appreciate the Governor lending her support to this effort,” says Lee Axdahl, director of the Office of Highway Safety. “It is another reminder that it only takes a second of not being a careful driver to change your life or someone else’s life forever.”

With summer approaching, Axdahl says his office once again is focusing on young driver safety. For the fourth consecutive year, the Office of Highway Safety and the South Dakota Broadcasters Association is hosting “Lesson Learned” youth safe driving program.  Teens, ages 14-19, can go to the website at http://www.lessonlearnedsd.com/student/ and take a safe driving quiz. The participants are then entered into a drawing for a $10,000 prize. The winning student also gets another $10,000 to give to school organizations of their choice.  Deadline to enter is April 30.

“Being a safe driver is something you learn when you are young and this program helps encourage that safe behavior,” Axdahl says. “With the help of the Broadcasters Association, this is another way to promote a safe driving message to young people.”

The Office of Highway Safety is part of the Department of Public Safety.