A local teen is partnering with police and the store to raise awareness about the dangers of distracted driving.
MONROE TWP. -- April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month and through the efforts of the Monroe Township Police Department, the Walmart Foundation, and a teen with a passion driving her pageant platform, the community is encouraged to spread the word via "Don't Text and Drive" car magnets.
This Saturday, the Williamstown Walmart on the Black Horse Pike will be hosting an event in honor of Distracted Driving Awareness Month where community leaders will gather to rally the community and pass out magnets that encourage drivers to put the phones down and keep both eyes on the road.
Amanda Peacock designed car magnets to encourage to put down their phones and keep their eyes on the road. (Submitted photo) The idea came from a collaboration between Miss Atlantic Shores' Outstanding Teen Amanda Peacock, 16, of Williamstown and Monroe Township Police Department School Resource Officer Andy Pease.
"It's motivating to see young people in the community working with local law enforcement for a common goal," Sergeant Mark J. Burton, of the Monroe Township Traffic Safety Bureau said in a press release. "This is a positive, necessary step we were able to take thanks to support from Walmart."
At 11 a.m., officials and officers from the area will gather at the Williamstown Walmart to thank the Walmart Foundation and officials for their efforts and educate the community on the cause.
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Amanda worked closely with the Monroe Township Police Department preparing for the event after taking a strong interest in distracted driving awareness as her pageant platform.
"Everyday on the road, before I can even drive, I notice so many drivers on their phones," said Amanda. "We've all heard the horror stories of what can happen when you text and drive, but you never think it will happen to you."
According to AAA, six of 10 teen crashes involve the driver being distracted. Drivers using a phone are 23 times more likely to be involved in a crash, according to Teens in the Driver Seat.
"That's the thing," Amanda added, "it can be you, and people don't grasp that."
As the current Miss Atlantic Shore's Outstanding Teen, Amanda is hoping to spread awareness using her platform and the distribution of magnets at the Distracted Driving Awareness event.
"I thought the magnets would be a great idea because people will see them," she said. "Imagine you're driving and you see this magnet and you think 'oh, maybe I should put my phone down.' That right there could save a life."
Amanda used an editing app on her phone to create the magnets and proposed the idea to the Monroe Township Police Department receiving their support. From there the Walmart Foundation stepped in to donate money to help have the magnets made.
"It was so exciting that the police department was behind the idea and then to have Walmart step in to donate money to help with the cost of production added to the excitement," said Amanda. "I really hope that other towns will see the magnets and join in with that same enthusiasm."
"It's rewarding to see this grant go from a check to an impactful, community program," said Patrick Tyson, store manager of the Williamstown Walmart, in a press release. "Distracted driving is a serious issue, so anything we can do to raise awareness represents a success for everyone."
The magnets are free and will be given out at the Williamstown Walmart located at 1840 S. Black Horse Pike from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday.
"If other towns get behind it and we spread awareness we can save lives," said Amanda. "Even if we only save one life, get one person to put their phone in the glove compartment while driving, then I'll have made my goal and we will have made a difference."