LOVINGTON - Lovington High School has received a grant to implement Operation Teen Safe Driving.

The program's intent is to have the teens themselves come up with ideas to encourage safe driving habits.

"Rather than having adults think of programs and activities, the concept was for schools to use the teens to come up with ideas and innovative ideas," said Nancy Kyrouac, community affairs specialist at the SIU School of Medicine and part of the Think First program on injury prevention.

Driver's education instructor Derik Eaton at Lovington applied for the grant, his first such attempt.

"The main thing we're going to hit is seat belt use and the importance of that," Eaton said. "Maybe we'll have some contests where we pick out random drivers in the parking lot and give them a prize (if they're wearing their belt)."

Money's always an issue for schools, especially in a small district such as Lovington, Eaton said, and part of his reason for applying for the grant was to set an example for his students.

"This is important, and if it takes asking for a grant to help out, I definitely think it's worth it," he said.

Lovington's grant is one of 105 statewide. The school will receive startup funds of $1,000 from the Illinois Department of Transportation's Division of Traffic Safety and $1,000 from the Allstate Insurance Foundation, Eaton said. He is required to document his program and follow guidelines provided by Ford Motor Co.'s "Driving Skills for Life" tool kit, which came with his acceptance.

The kit includes a framework for the traffic safety program, brochures, parent letters, educator letters and a DVD.

One thing Eaton would especially like to do is invite a speaker - probably someone from Mothers Against Drunk Driving - who can provide the perspective of a victim.

"Until they see it, they don't believe it, unfortunately," Eaton said. "Some do. They're mature enough to take advice, but some, they have to see evidence."

Valerie Wells can be reached at vwells@herald-review.com or 421-7982.