State Farm Insurance Companies awarded a $5,000 grant to the Impaired Driving Impact Panel of Island County at the organization’s annual appreciation luncheon in late May.

The grant will help cover some of the cost and materials used in IDIPIC’s work with middle school and driver’s education students.

Besides DUI impact panels, IDIPIC offers comprehensive safety classes to educate youths about the dangers of underage drinking, other drug use and ultimately driving under the influence. Classes range from elementary to high school and beyond.

“Think, Don’t Drink, Drug and Drive” has been a popular safety seminar provided to driver’s education classes since 2002. It currently includes an impacting video, discussion on indicators of impairment, walk-the-line with the “Fatal Vision” impairment goggles, a question and answer session and a verbal quiz.

In addition to this instruction, panel attendance is required for all Whidbey driver’s education students by local driving instructors, and they must attend with one of their parents. Students not taught through a driving school are welcome to attend as well with parent.

For more information on IDIPIC, its programs or to volunteer, visit www.idipic.org.