Students from across Trumbull County gathered today at the Trumbull County Educational Service Center (TCESC) for the monthly meeting of the SMASH (Students Making A Safer Highway) program—an ongoing initiative focused on promoting safer driving habits among teens.
The program brings together high school students, the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the OSU Trumbull County Extension Office, and local law enforcement in a united effort to make area roadways safer.
Today’s meeting featured a “Trooper Talk” panel discussion, where SMASH students submitted questions to a team of law enforcement officers: SGT. Jason Bonar, TPR. Jarret Calleja, TPR. Laerence Sprocket of the Ohio State Highway Patrol and Howland Police Officer Stephanie Slosher. The panel sparked honest, informative conversations about the realities teens face on the road.
A major focus of the session was distracted driving, with panelists discussing the impact of Ohio House Bill 283 and the increasing risks associated with phone use behind the wheel. TPR. Sprocket offered a key piece of advice to students: “Don’t drive polite—drive predictable.” The message emphasized that consistency and clarity on the road help prevent accidents.
With over 60 students from school districts across Trumbull County, SMASH continues to build momentum each month—fostering leadership, responsibility, and peer-to-peer influence to reduce crashes and save lives.