County official announces next youth driving summit

DeKalb County Solicitor-General Donna Coleman-Stribling announced that she will host the second annual Youth Safe Driving Summit on Oct. 3 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Rehoboth Church, located at 2997 Lawrenceville Highway in Tucker.  

The free event connects teens and parents with driving safety education, interactive experiences and community resources. Designed for teens ages 14 and older and their parents or guardians, it brings young drivers and families together with public safety professionals, driving safety advocates and community partners for an engaging day focused on making safer choices behind the wheel. 

According to officials, the idea for the Youth Safe Driving Summit grew out of the office’s efforts to address the increase in drag racing and other dangerous driving behaviors in DeKalb County. 

“The Youth Safe Driving Summit is about prevention,” stated Coleman-Stribling. “We want to reach young people early and give them practical tools and help them understand that the choices they make behind the wheel can have lasting consequences. Learning to drive represents independence and opportunity for young people, but it also comes with tremendous responsibility.” 

The summit will feature interactive activities, including the Adult Big Wheel Club, driving safety education, community resources and opportunities for teens to engage directly with professionals who work in traffic safety, law enforcement, insurance, and driver education. In addition to the interactive activities, the event will also feature a bouncy house, along with giveaway items and safety-focused swag. The office will also be distributing car accessories designed to encourage hands-free driving and reinforce safe habits behind the wheel. 

The event builds on the success of the solicitor-general’s inaugural Youth Safe Driving Summit—which approximately 250 people attended—and reflects the office’s continued commitment to prevention, education, and community engagement as important components of public safety. 

“Last year’s turnout showed us that families are looking for meaningful, practical information about teen driving safety,” said Coleman-Stribling. “Bringing the summit back gives us another opportunity to connect young people with resources that can help keep them safe.” 

“We want young drivers to leave this summit understanding that safe driving is about more than following the rules. It is about judgment, responsibility, and protecting everyone who shares the road,” stated Coleman-Stribling. 

Early registration is encouraged. For more information and to register, visit dekalbsolicitorgeneral.com/youth-summit.