The Piscataway High School SADD club is partnering with the Piscataway Police Department on a safe-driving campaign they hope will make a difference throughout the community in helping to protect teen drivers.

SADD, which stands for Students Against Destructive Decisions, is a new club at PHS this year, but is a nationally recognized organization with chapters throughout the country. They have started off strong and are up to about 40 active members.

The campaign with Piscataway Police centers around a slogan the students developed, with a logo designed by member Josiah Johnson, a PHS junior. The logo and slogan “Pway You Know: Drive Safe, Drive Slow!” is being displayed on electronic signs in front of all Piscataway schools as well as on police displays for drivers to see throughout the township.

The SADD club's safe-driving slogan and logo will be shown on the electronic signs in front of all Piscataway schools.

“I couldn’t be more proud of the students and the work they have put into this campaign,” said SADD adviser Laura Benjamin, a PHS physical education teacher. “I have been able to see their individual talents shine and be used for such an important topic.”

The project started after PHS SADD entered into the U Got Brains Champion Schools Program, sponsored by the Brain Injury Alliance of New Jersey, and were tasked with implementing a teen safe-driving campaign. The students reached out to Piscataway Police for their assistance and expertise and asked what the biggest issue for teen drivers in Piscataway. The answer: speeding.

“I am excited to see how this campaign will continue to unfold,” Benjamin said. “These students are learning the importance of teamwork and how when we combine each members talents together as a team, we can shine even brighter.”

The SADD club has been helped greatly by Piscataway Officers William Kloos and Mark Chanley, who invited the students to join Piscataway's Safe Streets initiative and other exciting events planned over the next several months with the goal of reducing teen speeding and keeping teens safe on the road.

“These students have stepped up in so many ways, shown leadership and maturity,” Benjamin said, “and have pushed each other to be the best versions of themselves.”