FAQ

Can we apply online?

Not at the present time. However, the application is available on the Teen Safe Driving website: teensafedrivingillinois.org under Form/Application. We suggest you complete the text online, print and fax to 217/557-5937. You may also mail the application to: Operation Teen Safe Driving, ATTN: Kathy Tolle,Division of Traffic Safety, 3215 Executive Park Drive, P.O. Box 19245, Springfield, Illinois 62794-9245

It is very important that the application is typed in order to expedite processing!
Who do we contact if we have program questions?

Region 1 – Wanda Vazques, wvazquez2562@hotmail.com or 773/252-9098, Ext 109
Region 2 – John Gomoll, jmgomoll@yahoo.com or 217/962-0752
Region 3 – Katrina Hubbard, Katrina_Hubbard@CDH.org or 630/933-2770
Region 4 – Dan Wood, d_wood6@hotmail.com or 217/962-0665
Region 5 – Jessi Hopkins, jessi@ccrn.com or 309/828-1892, Ext 14
Region 6 – Jenniver Toney, Jennifer@ccrn.com or 309/828-1892, Ext 13
Region 7 – Kathy White, kwhiteseilopc@hotmail.com or 618/643-3022
What other schools are we competing against?

You compete only against the schools within your region. Under the "Region” section of the website you can see how the state is divided.
How long will it take to get our grant money?

If DTS receives all your forms correctly and legibly completed by the deadline (see Calendar), it should take approximately 3-4 weeks to receive your check from the Illinois Comptroller’s Office and also from the Allstate Foundation.
Are two signatures required on all forms?

Yes. Both a Project Director as well as an Authorizing Representative are required to sign all Operation Teen Safe Driving Program documents. Their original signatures are required on all submitted forms.
Where do we mail our completed forms after our school is selected for the program?

To your regional coordinator (See Regions) for the Operation Teen Safe Driving Program.
What types of items can we purchase with the OTSD grant money?

Posters
T-shirts
Bracelets
Yard signs
Fatal vision goggles
Bumper stickers
Crash re-enactments
Contests (poster, slogan – must be traffic safety-related)
Production cost of public service announcements
Safety belt checks (pre-and post-campaigns)
Gift cards up to $25. This must not exceed 10% of the grant money
If in doubt, contact your regional coordinator!
What type of items cannot be purchased with OTSD grant money?

Cash prizes
Paid media
Video cameras, projectors or other equipment.
Meals for large groups.
Program funds CANNOT be spent on lobbying elected officials
Program funds CANNOT be spent on scholarships.
Program funds CANNOT be spent on POST-PROM events.
Program funds CANNOT be spent on attending seminars or training events.
If in doubt, contact your regional coordinator!
What is the Ford Ride and Drive?

It is part of the Driving Skills for Life (DSFL) program. The Ride and Drives provide teen drivers behind-the wheel experience to improve their skills in four key areas that are critical factors in more than 60% of vehicle crashes including: hazard recognition, vehicle handling, speed management and space management. Be sure to get more information on their website: www.drivingskillsforlife.com. Using the Ford Motor Company Fund’s Driving Skills for Life Program is a requirement of the Operation Teen Safe Driving Program.
What is “Keep the Drive”?

It is a teen driving interactive site provided by the Allstate Foundation. Information is available at: http://www.keepthedrive.com. Using the Allstate Foundation’s “Keep the Drive” Program is a requirement of the Operation Teen Safe Driving Program.
What happens if we do not spend all of our grant money?

All grant money must be used only for program continuation AND it must be completely spent by September 30, 2009.
Who selects the winner?

A panel of impartial judges chosen from our partners: Governor’s Office, IDOT/DTS, Ford Motor Company Fund, Allstate Foundation, State Board of Education, Illinois State Police, Secretary of State, RADD, Regional Coordinators.
Can we sponsor logos on materials?

Yes, but allow for extra lead time because DTS must approve any materials with logos before you print them.
What format should the final report be in?

See final report checklist under the Forms/Application section on this website.
What areas of focus are required for the program?

Ford Motor Company Fund’s “Driving Skills for Life”
Allstate Foundation’s “Keep the Ride”
Safety belts
Safety belt surveys
Speeding
Distracted driving
Community outreach
What other areas can be addressed in our program?

Drag racing
Drifting
Hill hopping
Graduated Drivers License
Drowsy driving
Tailgating
Where can we obtain teen crash information?

Start with your local police or sheriff’s departments. If you need more
information, contact the Division of Traffic Safety’s Crash Information
Section at 217/782-2575.
How do we conduct the required observational safety belt survey pre- and post-survey?

The Safety Belt Use Survey (TS 507 TD) on this website under the Forms/Application section has the guidelines. If you have any questions, contact your Regional Coordinator for guidance.
What prizes can we win?

The winning school in each region receives $2,000
2nd place in each region receives $1,500
3rd place in each region receives $1,000.
These funds CAN be used for a post-prom event!

In addition, schools are awarded continuation funds:
The winning school in each region receives $1,750
2nd place in each region receives $1,500
3rd place in each region receives $1,000
All other schools receive $650
These funds CANNOT be spent on post-prom
If a participating school is not a finalist, do we receive anything?

All schools turning in a final report documenting how they spent their program will receive additional grant funds for program continuation. These additional continuation grant funds must be spent before September 30, 2009.
What type of items can be purchased with post-prom money?

Gift cards up to $25. This must not exceed 10% of the grant money
Bands, DJ’s and entertainment
Food and beverages
If in doubt, contact your Regional Coordinator.
What types of items CANNOT be purchased with post-prom money?

Cash giveaways
Transportation
If in doubt, contact your Regional Coordinator.
What if we do not submit a final report?

You cannot compete for prizes and you will not be invited to the Ford Motor Company Fund’s Ride & Drive if we do not receive your final report by the deadline. In addition, you will not receive program continuation funding.
What if we do not incorporate the “Ford Motor Company Fund’s “Driving Skills for Life” curriculum in our program?

You cannot compete for prizes and you will not be invited to the Ford Motor Company Fund’s Ride & Drive if we do not receive your final report by the deadline. In addition, you will not receive program continuation funding. The “Driving Skills for Life” curriculum is a requirement of the program.
What if we do not incorporate the Allstate Foundation’s “Keep the Drive” curriculum in our program?

You cannot compete for prizes and you will not be invited to the Ford Motor Company Fund’s Ride & Drive if we do not receive your final report by the deadline. In addition, you will not receive program continuation funding. The Allstate Foundation’s “Keep the Drive” curriculum is a requirement of the program.
What if we fail to report how we spent the money from the grant?

You can expect IDOT/DTS to request a report and if you do not submit one, you will be required to return the grant funds.
Who were last year’s OTSD winners?

See “2008 Program Winners” section on this website.
Where do we find the forms needed for OTSD?

They are available in two locations at:
http://www.dot.il.gov/trafficsafety/tsforms.html or http://www.teensafedrivingillinois.org
Are there any other limits on what we can spend money on in the program?

Schools should limit spending on meals, snacks, etc for students planning meetings to a cumulative maximum of $150 over the life of the program.