Impact Teen Drivers (ITD), a community initiative designed to combat the prevalent issue of reckless and distracted driving among teenagers, is nurse-led by Evan Edminster, MSN, RN, CNL, CFRN, TCRN, CEN, NHDP-BC. Over the past eight years, ITD has successfully reached thousands of students at local high schools. In 2025, over 1,300 students received the IDT training that provides evidence-based education that fosters safer driving choices. The program utilizes compelling stories, interactive lessons, and peer-engagement techniques to encourage teens to adopt distraction-free driving habits and to become advocates for safety within their social circles.

ITD stands as a prime example of nursing leadership that extends beyond traditional clinical boundaries. Recognizing preventable trauma among adolescents as a critical public health concern, nurse leaders have spearheaded a proactive, upstream approach to injury prevention. The program’s foundation is built on strong partnerships with schools, advocacy for prevention within population health, and collaboration with multidisciplinary stakeholders. These efforts showcase the vision, influence, and dedication of nursing professionals in promoting community safety.

The program upholds the highest standards of nursing practice by translating complex safety research into clear, developmentally appropriate educational content for teens. This approach not only improves safety behaviors but also strengthens the trust between healthcare providers and the community. ITD’s curriculum is dynamic, evolving in response to new research findings, participant feedback, and ongoing evaluation. This iterative process has led to enhanced educational content, delivery methods, and engagement strategies, contributing valuable insights to adolescent risk-reduction and health promotion fields.

The measurable impact of ITD is evident in the number of high school students trained and the program’s ability to improve self-reported knowledge, promote safer driving intentions, and cultivate peer-to-peer advocacy. As a nurse-led model, ITD exemplifies innovation, leadership, and commitment to reducing teen injuries and fatalities through education and community engagement.