ThinkFirst Missouri

🚗 Parents: Help Your Teen Drive Safely 🚦
The first year of driving is one of the most dangerous times for teens—but parents play a critical role in helping keep young drivers safe.
The ThinkFirst For Parents of Teen Drivers program is an evidence-based educational resource designed to help parents guide their teens through the challenges of new-driver independence.
Through this program, parents learn how to:
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Talk effectively about driving risks and create open, ongoing conversations about safe driving habits.
📵 Set clear expectations around distractions, including cell phone use, seat belt compliance, speeding, and passengers.
🧠 Support safe decision-making by helping teens recognize risks and make responsible choices behind the wheel.
📘 Understand state-specific GDL (Graduated Driver Licensing) laws and how these important restrictions are designed to reduce crashes among new drivers.
🚦 Model safe driving behavior by demonstrating the habits and attitudes you want your teen to adopt.
Parents remain the most influential driving instructors long after a teen earns a license. Starting the conversation early and reinforcing safe habits consistently can help prevent injuries and save lives.
❤️ Your influence matters.
Learn more at ThinkFirst.org

Did you know that workplace overdose deaths have risen more than 450% in the U.S.? Prioritize with the NSC Overdose Emergency Planning Tool. This resource helps you become by recommending the estimated amount of you need for your workplace.

The 100 Deadly Days of Summer remind us that small decisions behind the wheel can have life-changing consequences.
🚗 Teens are 2.5x more likely to take risks when driving with one teen passenger.
🚗 That risk jumps to 3x with multiple passengers.
Make safety a habit and look out for your friends!

As World Cup events ramp up in the Kansas City area and other activities increase across Missouri - we're getting ready for July 4 and America 250 celebrations, too - first responders are prepared. For example, the Missouri State Emergency Management Agency has set up mobile hospitals at key KC206 World Cup locations and the Missouri State Highway Patrol has 100 troopers prepared to assist in the KC area.
>>But law enforcement cannot be everywhere. That's why all of us have a role to play in keeping our communities safe and secure. As always, pay attention to your surroundings:
>> If you see an immediate threat, call 911 for an immediate response.
>> If you see something that doesn't look right, something that seems suspicious, or out of the ordinary, you can utilize Missouri's SafeNation app. It allows you to anonymously report and send pictures or video of the issue that's concerning.
Download the SafeNation app now. It's available in the Apple App Store and Google Play.
>> You can also report suspicious activity on online directly to the Patrol's Missouri Information Analysis Center here: https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=2600

Remember these pedestrian safety tips:
Stay Visible – Wear bright clothing, especially at night.
Use Crosswalks – Always cross at designated areas and obey signals.
Stay Alert – Put your phone down and watch for traffic.

Drivers are reminded to stay alert while driving in areas known to flood. It doesn’t take much water to sweep a vehicle off the roadway. Do not drive around barriers or barricades.

Big cities, country roads, or neighborhood streets: buckle up, every trip, every time.

Millions across the U.S. are facing their first round of summer heat this week! 🌡️🥵
Your first instinct on a 90-degree day may be to get in the car, crank the AC to max and sit there, but there’s a much faster way to clear out stagnant air. ⤵️
And remember: a parked car gets dangerously hot instantly. Never leave a child alone in a vehicle — not even for a second.