Credit: Submitted
Conwell-Egan Catholic High School student drivers achieved the highest percentage increase in seatbelt usage, according to data from the 19th annual Bucks County High School Seatbelt Safety Challenge.
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The students at the Bristol Township high school increased its seatbelt compliance by 3.5 percentage points, rising from a baseline of 92.6 percent in the fall to 96.1 percent in the spring.
The annual Bucks County High School Seatbelt Safety Challenge is organized by TMA Bucks, a nonprofit transportation management association. It is presented by the NJM Insurance Group.
Conwell-Egan students, who were guided by marketing and digital media specialist Angelia Micalizzi, were awarded a cash grant and a perpetual trophy plaque during a senior class assembly on May 18.
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“At Conwell-Egan Catholic High School, the safety and well-being of our students remains a top priority,” Conwell-Egan Principal Josh Bower said. “We are deeply grateful for our partnership with TMA Bucks and NJM Insurance Group in promoting seatbelt safety awareness among young drivers.”
Bower added that the program helps “create safer roads, stronger communities, and a culture of responsibility” for students and families.
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Data collection for the challenge began in the fall of 2025 when baseline surveys of student driver seatbelt habits were conducted unannounced at high schools across Bucks County.
Administrators and students were not informed of the initial counts to be sure there was accurate tracking.
After the baseline survey, student groups at participating schools used creative campaigns to encourage their peers to buckle up.
Unannounced follow-up surveys were conducted in April and May to determine the results.
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“Achieving the greatest percentage increase in seatbelt use is an incredible accomplishment and a true reflection of this school community’s commitment to student safety,” TMA Bucks Executive Director Stephen Noll said, adding the collective effort helps build habits that can save lives.
The overall winner of the countywide challenge was New Hope-Solebury High School.
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The annual program receives supporting sponsorships from AAA Mid-Atlantic, Automotive Training Center, Bucks County Community College, Jefferson Bucks Hospital, Bowman, Stark & Stark, Rothman Orthopedics, and Visit Bucks County.
“The TMA Bucks Seatbelt Challenge reinforces the important message that the simple act of buckling up can make a life-saving difference in a crash,” said Erica Rosso, consumer safety partnership and program supervisor for NJM.
