A Sioux Falls Roosevelt High School student was chosen the winner of a program that encourages driving safety among young people.

Alexa Nelson,16, won $10,000 as the winner of this year’s Lesson Learned SD program during a ceremony at the Sioux Empire Mall in Sioux Falls. The South Dakota Office of Highway Safety designed the program to encourage young people to be safe drivers. The cash prizes are sponsored by the South Dakota Broadcasters Association.

South Dakota Lieutenant Governor Matt Michels participated in the surprise ceremony for Alexa held at the mall’s Center Court.

Michels says while the money is nice, the program is really about encouraging young drivers to be safe drivers.

“Since July first, official statistics indicate five lives have been lost on our roadways and none were wearing seatbelts,” said the Lt. Governor. “As an EMT and an emergency room nurse, I have seen the toll motor vehicle crashes inflict not only on those involved in the crash, but their families as well. For the sake of those who love you, please buckle up and drive safely.”

Thanks to Nelson's win Roosevelt High School is also a winner. The Broadcasters Association has contributed another $10,000 that Alexa can give to school programs or activities of her choice.

To win the money Nelson had to watch three safe driving videos and answer follow-up questions on the Lesson Learned SD website to enter a drawing. She was then chosen from the 2,539 eligible entries.

The “Lesson Learned SD” website featured safe driving videos about distracted driving, seatbelt use and driving under the influence.

“The Lesson Learned SD program has made a tremendous impact in only two years,” Lee Axdahl, director of the State Office of Highway Safety said. “This program played a part in South Dakota having the second lowest total of motor vehicle fatalities ever in 2016 and we are ahead of that rate so far this year. Being a safe driver is a life skill and we want drivers to start using that skill as early as possible.”


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