09/17/2026
The Research Foundation’s Young Traffic Offenders Program (YTOP) continues to reach hundreds of high-risk young drivers each year, helping them understand the real-life consequences of unsafe driving. 🚗 In 2025, 897 young drivers participated in YTOP. Through August 2026, more than 651 offenders have already attended the program — demonstrating the continued need for this important injury prevention initiative.
Since 1997, YTOP has brought together healthcare professionals, crash survivors and law enforcement officers to share powerful, firsthand perspectives on the consequences of dangerous driving behaviors, including speeding and impaired driving.
Participants leave the program with an opportunity to reflect on what they’ve learned and how it can change the way they approach driving.
💬 Here’s what some YTOP participants had to say:
“I don't want to be a part of the 900 yearly fatal car crashes in Missouri. And I can't make someone's child a part of it either. This class has forced me to think about how a dumb decision could cost someone else their dreams.”
“To be honest, when I first came to the class, I didn't take any of it seriously. But now I realize how important it is to drive safely and carefully. This is a great program, and I think it will help lots of people like me.”
Every conversation has the potential to change a decision — and every safer decision can help prevent a tragedy. 💚
