MOBRIDGE, S.D. – Avery Schlomer, a freshman at Mobridge-Pollock High School, is taking home a big prize after learning safe driving habits through South Dakota’s “Lesson Learned SD” program. Avery Schlomer was surprised during an all-school assembly when she was announced as the winner of t he statewide safe driving campaign, earning a $10,000 cash prize. Mobridge-Pollock High School will also receive $10,000 for a program of Schlomer’s choosing. The “Lesson Learned SD” initiative encourages teenagers to practice and promote responsible driving behaviors, including wearing seat belts, avoiding distractions behind the wheel, slowing down and staying focused while driving. Students participate by identifying safe driving habits through the program’s website and are then entered into a statewide drawing. The program drew more than 5,300 entries from students across South Dakota. Governor Larry Rhoden praised the program for helping young drivers understand the importance of road safety. “This initiative has encouraged young drivers to make smart, responsible decisions behind the wheel,” Rhoden said. “Every time they choose to stay focused, wear a seatbelt, slow down, and avoid distractions, they help make our roads safer for everyone.” The program is coordinated through South Dakota’s Office of Highway Safety, which operates under the South Dakota Department of Public Safety. The agency works to reduce traffic crashes and fatalities through education, enforcement and public awareness campaigns. Office of Highway Safety Director Rob Weinmeister said partnerships are key to spreading the program’s message statewide. “Part of our mission at the Office of Highway Safety is to promote safe driving habits making our roads safer for everyone,” Weinmeister said. “By partnering with the South Dakota Broadcasters Association and other groups, we are able to promote and reward safe driving awareness.” The South Dakota Broadcasters Association helps promote the “Lesson Learned SD” campaign through television, radio and media outreach across the state. Association President Steve Willard said the campaign gives students an engaging way to learn lessons that can save lives. “This program gives students a fun and engaging way to learn the importance of safe driving habits like wearing seat belts, avoiding distractions, and making responsible decisions behind the wheel,” Willard said. “Those lessons can make a real difference for young drivers and their communities.” The state’s broader traffic safety education efforts also include the “Think and Drive: Stay Alive” program, which brings students face-to-face with the real-life consequences of distracted and impaired driving through emotional presentations from crash survivors, law enforcement officers and families affected by fatal accidents. The program, presented by DRG Media Group, has been reaching students for more than two decades. When asked how she learned of the contest or what prompted her to enter, the winner Avery said that she used the QR code during this year’s Think and Drive program. The Lesson Learned website can be found at: LessonLearnedSD.com. Broadcast quality footage of the award presentation has been made available HERE ...read more read less