As students grow older and gain more independence, they begin making decisions that can have lasting consequences. Whether they’re riding with friends, preparing for a learner’s permit, or getting behind the wheel for the first time, road safety education becomes more important than ever.
That’s why we love sharing the West Virginia Road Ready program with teachers. This is a free collection of videos, lessons, games, and activities designed to promote safe decision-making. We asked West Virginia teacher Matthew Sneathen to try out the program and share his perspective on how these resources can support meaningful conversations with students, especially as they get older and are approaching driving age.
How do you think teachers could use the West Virginia Road Ready materials in the classroom?
Teachers could use these materials as bell ringers, during advisory or homeroom, or as part of health lessons. For older students, they could also lead to meaningful discussions about getting their permits, riding with friends, and making safe decisions. It’s something you can work into your routine without having to create an entirely new unit.
As a teacher, what did you like most about the program?
What I like most is how practical it is. We spend so much time preparing students academically, but they also need skills that help them in real life outside the classroom. These materials give teachers a way to start those important conversations.
What did your students like most about the materials?
My students enjoyed the videos, interactive activities, the test-driving game, and the Kahoots! Those gave them different ways to participate and made the information more engaging. For older students, the connection to driving and becoming more independent would make it especially relevant.
How did the West Virginia Road Ready resources make your job easier?
Having videos, lessons, and activities together makes planning easier. As teachers, we already have a lot on our plates, so having resources that you can build a lesson around helps us spend more time teaching and less time creating everything from scratch.
What impact did you see on students after completing the activities?
The impact I noticed was their ability to think carefully and deeply about their choices and explain why those choices matter. I wanted them to move beyond simply knowing a safety rule to understanding how they can apply it as a passenger or future driver, and they did just that.
Why do you think road safety education is important for students today?
Students need to understand that one decision can affect their lives and someone else’s. Whether they’re crossing the street, riding in a car, or learning to drive, road safety is something they can use right now. Starting those conversations early helps build responsible habits.
Why do you think this is an important program for older students?
Older students are gaining more independence. Some are getting permits, starting to drive, or riding with friends. These are real situations they’re facing, so it’s important to help them think through their decisions before they’re in the moment.
Would you recommend the West Virginia Road Ready program to other teachers? Why?
Absolutely! I appreciate resources that connect learning to real life. This program gives West Virginia teachers a way to talk about something that matters to students and their families, with different activities to support those conversations.
How do you plan to use these materials in the future?
I plan to continue making road safety a part of our conversations throughout the year. With my students, I’ll use the materials to help build a foundation for making safe choices as they become more independent. I also plan to continue using these lessons as morning work to spark impactful conversations about road safety.
Is there anything else you’d like other West Virginia educators to know about the program?
You don’t have to teach driver’s education to help students learn about road safety. This free program has everything you need. We spend so much time preparing our students academically for what comes next, but it’s just as important to prepare them for real life too.
Check out Matthew’s video review of the program below.
