Southern NH Health and NHDOT Partner to Combat 400% Increase in State’s Teen Driver Fatalities

Southern New Hampshire Health, in partnership with the New Hampshire Department of Transportation (NHDOT), hosted ThinkFast Interactive, a nationally touring, evidence-informed game show-style prevention educational program designed to teach Nashua High School students about the dangers of distracted driving and promote roadway safety. The program engages teens with safety and prevention messaging in a fun, non-intrusive, and memorable way. This event comes at a time when New Hampshire teen motor vehicle fatalities rose by 400% in 2024 from the previous year.

Over two days, more than 1,600 sophomores and juniors from Nashua High School North and South will participate in this immersive program. Using large digital screens, music, a DJ, and live host, students engaged in team-based trivia and real-time interactive responses, combining entertainment with life-saving education in a visually dynamic setting.

“As a not-for-profit health system, Southern New Hampshire Health understands that trauma care is about more than just medical treatment, it is about community trust, preparedness, and education,” said Jennifer Marcotte, BSN, RN, CEN, TCRN, Southern NH Health Trauma Program Manager. “Trauma does not discriminate. The injuries we treat often stem from choices that could have been prevented. Educating teens through programs like this helps turn awareness into action, potentially saving lives."

“Distracted driving continues to be one of the most serious risks on our roadways, especially for young drivers,” Mark Munroe, MPA, Highway Safety Program Manager, NH Department of Transportation. “Partnerships like these bring safety education to life in a way that connects with students to make safer decisions behind the wheel. Together, we can keep New Hampshire’s roads safe for everyone.”

“This partnership with Southern New Hampshire Health and the New Hampshire Department of Transportation brought an important learning opportunity to our schools,” said Mario Andrade, Superintendent of the Nashua School District. “The program opened up our students’ eyes to roadway safety in a way that was memorable and impactful, reinforcing lessons they can carry into their daily lives.”

Southern New Hampshire Medical Center has been verified as an ACS Level III-N* Trauma Center by the American College of Surgeon’s Committee on Trauma. Verification recognizes Southern New Hampshire Medical Center’s commitment to providing optimal care to injured patients. Southern NH Medical Center is the first and only ACS Verified Level III trauma center with Neurosurgical capabilities in the State of New Hampshire.