Nation's Capital Girl Scouts you in the driver's seat for Ge

Girl Scouts Continue 93-Year Tradition of Educating Teens on Traffic Safety

GEICO Communications

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Logo: http://www.geico.com

Girl Scouts from around the Washington D.C. region will gather on Saturday, March 28 at GEICO headquarters to learn how they can earn the Girl Scout's new GEICO DASHBoard patch for road safety.

Sponsored by the Girl Scout Council of the Nation's Capital and GEICO, the day-long event introduces Girl Scouts to safe driving subjects through classroom talks and hands-on demonstrations. WJLA news reporter Cynne Simpson will also present WJLA's Drive to Stay Alive Teen Driving Assembly seminar.

The classes are an introduction to the Council's newest badge, and requires the Girl Scouts to learn about driving hazards such as distracted driving, how to maintain a safe vehicle and general auto safety. Another requirement for the GEICO DASHBoard patch is that the Girl Scouts complete an honor code agreement on smart driving.

Girl Scouts can begin working on their patch requirements after the full program is introduced at the March 28 pre-work sessions.

"As a former Girl Scout, I can proudly say that GEICO is honored to be part of the Nation's Capital efforts to talk to teens about the dangers of driving," said Rynthia Rost, GEICO vice president. "Preparing teens for the pitfalls they will face on the roadways, like rough weather or noise distractions, will make them safer drivers."

While the Nation's Capital Council GEICO DASHBoard program is the newest Girl Scout program of its kind, empowering young women to be car and road savvy has been a Girl Scout tradition since 1916.

"It's as critical for girls to understand how to maintain a safe vehicle as it is to be a safe driver," said Lidia Soto-Harmon, Girl Scout deputy executive director. "The DASHBoard program is designed to educate girls on safe driving skills, auto care and careers in the automobile industry - we want Girl Scouts to 'Be Prepared.'"

About GEICO

GEICO (Government Employees Insurance Company) is the third- largest private passenger auto insurer in the United States based on the latest 12 months written premium. It provides auto insurance coverage for 9 million policyholders and insures some 15 million vehicles.

About Girl Scout Council of the Nation's Capital

Girl Scout Council of the Nation's Capital (GSCNC) is a non- profit organization with over 82,000 members, including 58,000 girls in 4,500 troops throughout the District of Columbia, six counties in Maryland and five counties in Northern Virginia. To get involved, visit our Web site at www.gscnc.org.