On Saturday, May 22, 100 Girl Scouts in grades 6 to 12 will gather at GEICO, 14111 Danielson Street, in Poway for an interactive program to learn how to be safe drivers, passengers and pedestrians.

Girl Scouts will learn the dangers of distracted driving using remote control cars and will wear “Fatal Vision” goggles to simulate impaired vision. GEICO auto damage representatives will be on-site to teach preventative maintenance such as checking fluid levels, tire tread and pressure, and problem-solving techniques such as changing tires and jump-starting a car. The Girl Scouts will also take a pledge to make safe decisions on the road.

Patricia Beirne, a local driving instructor, has tips about passing the driving test and GEICO vice president of claims, Margi Rogers, discusses how to earn good student discounts on insurance.

Additional instructors will include:

• Dirt bike champion and safety expert Bonnie Warch
• Gary Rossi of the San Diego County Bicycle Coalition and Race Across America
• All-terrain vehicle safety instructor Steve Chaney

Greg Kalinsky, GEICO regional vice president, and Katie Sullivan, vice president of the Girl Scouts, San Diego-Imperial Council board of directors, will present the Scouts with the GEICO Road Safety Patch. Kalinsky is treasurer of the council’s board of directors.

“GEICO is working hard to educate teens on road and vehicle safety through our teen safe driving program and by working with the Girl Scouts,” said Rynthia Rost, GEICO vice president.

"Safety is always Girl Scouts’ first priority,” said Jo Dee C. Jacob, San Diego-Imperial Council CEO. “We’re pleased to team up with GEICO to educate our teens about the dangers of distracted driving and driving under the influence. We want them to develop critical thinking skills to stay safe.”

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.

About Girl Scouts, San Diego-Imperial Council

Girl Scouts is America’s premier leadership development organization for girls. Girl Scouts discover themselves, connect with others, and take action to make the world a better place. Girl Scouts, San Diego-Imperial Council provides activities for 40,000 girl and adult members, offers training for volunteers, and maintains seven camps, program and service facilities.