​​HONOLULU – Hundreds of youth advocates from elementary, middle, and high schools from around the state are imploring drivers and passengers to reduce risky behaviors while on the road with the “Stop If You Love Me” campaign. 

From February 8 through 12, the Hawaii State Department of Education’s (HIDOE) Driver Education Program will work with student advocates to push drivers and passengers to eliminate dangerous driving behaviors, such as cell phone use, texting, road rage and speeding, and to also educate young people about the risks those behaviors present. The “Stop If You Love Me” campaign is sponsored by Hawaii State Driver Education Program, DTRIC Insurance, and Par Hawaii. 

Through various activities at their schools, youth advocates will address the topic of dangerous driving habits with fellow students, reinforcing that such behavior risks the lives of those they love, including themselves. In addition to spreading messages on driver, passenger, pedestrian, and bicycle safety, the students will distribute over 25,000 campaign items, host presentations and sign waving events, and encourage parents to sign a pledge to eliminate dangerous behaviors. 

“Although the potential problems caused by distracted and risky driving are well known, we still desperately need to encourage drivers and passengers to be mindful while in their cars,” said Jan Meeker of the DOE’s Driver Education Program. “This year 770 student advocates will be reaching out to more than 31,000 thousand peers, teachers and parents with this message.” 

Thirty-four schools on four island have committed to participate in “Stop If You Love Me” Week (a complete list follows the release). 

“We are thrilled to be a partner in this very important initiative, and look forward to seeing the campaign continue to grow and evolve, providing a great public service that affects us all in some way,” said Michele Saito, DTRIC president. “With more cars on the road each year, driver safety is increasingly important, and we can’t stress enough the need for all of us to drive with Aloha.”

“We have been a supporter of safe driving for teens for more than 25 years,” said Jim Yates, president of Par Hawaii, which operates the larger of the state’s two refineries, logistics operations, and a statewide network of about 100 Tesoro and 76 branded retail gasoline stations. “We’re glad to be continuing our partnership with the Department of Education and DTRIC to continue to address dangers of distracted driving in Hawaii.” 

About the Hawaii State Department of Education 
The Hawaii State Department of Education is among the largest U.S. school districts and the only statewide educational system in the country. It is comprised of 255 schools and 34 charter schools, and serves more than 180,000 students. King Kamehameha III established Hawaii’s public school system in 1840. The DOE is in the midst of a range of historic efforts to transform its public education system to ensure graduates succeed in college or careers. 

About DTRIC Insurance Company, Limited 
Founded in 1992, DTRIC Insurance Company, Limited (DTRIC) has become a household name in Hawaii and the local insurance industry. DTRIC is committed to providing its policyholders and agents with innovative, value-added insurance products and services exclusively in the state of Hawaii. Customers can access DTRIC’s insurance products directly, or through its statewide network of authorized general agencies. For additional information about DTRIC, visit www.dtric.com. 

About Par Pacific Holdings 
Par Pacific Holdings, Inc.
Headquartered in Houston, Texas, Par Pacific is a growth-oriented company that manages and maintains interests in energy related assets. Par Pacific, through its subsidiaries, owns and operates a 94 million barrel-per-day refinery with related logistics and retail network in Hawaii. Par Pacific also transports, markets and distributes crude oil from Western U.S. to refining hubs in the Midwest, Gulf Coast, East Coast and to Hawaii. In addition, Par Pacific owns an equity investment in Laramie Energy Company, which has natural gas production and reserves located in the Piceance Basin of Colorado. 

Participating 'STOP If You Love Me' schools​

Oahu 

• Ahuimanu Elementary 
  
• Aikahi Elementary 
  
• Enchanted Lakes Elementary 
  
• Kaelepulu Elementary 
  
• Keolu Elementary 
  
• Kaewai Elementary 
  
• Kailua Elementary 
  
• Kainalu Elementary 
  
• Kalihi Kai Elementary 
  
• Kaimiloa Elementary 
  
• Lanikai Elementary 
  
• Makakilo Elementary 
  
• Maunawili Elementary 
  
• Mokapu Elementary 
  
• Mokulele Elementary 
  
• Scott Elementary 
  
• Dole Middle 
  
• Kailua Middle 
  
• Kalakaua Middle 
  
• Kawananakoa Middle 
  
• Aiea High 
  
• Campbell High 
  
• Kaimuki High
• Moanalua High 
  
• Waipahu High 
  

Maui 

• Lihikai Elementary 
  
• Baldwin High 
  
• Maui High 
  

Hawaii Island 

• Konawaena Elementary 
  
• Keaau High 
  

Kauai 

• Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle 
  
• Kapaa Middle 
  
• Waimea Canyon Middle 
  
• Kauai High 
  
• Waimea High