The Pike County Teen Safe Driving group is planning a book dedicated to the memory of teenagers who lost their lives in vehicle accidents.

The book will serve a dual purpose in that it will put faces with the names of local teenagers who have lost their lives in vehicle accidents and will, hopefully, make other teenagers more aware of the fragileness of life.

The focus of the 2012 Teen Driving Event in January will be the same as its inaugural year 2011 – to educate teens and parents about safe driving habits and, therefore, help prevent accidents and deaths among teenagers. But it will also keep alive the memory of teenagers who lives were lost so tragically, said Jennifer Carney Garrett, an event coordinator.

The memorial book will include a photograph of each teen and a short story, between 250 and 300 words.

“Plans are to have the books ready for the Pike County Teen Safe Driving program on January 20,” Garrett said. “In order for us to do that, we need the information as soon as possible, but no later than December 2.”

A permission form for each entry in the memory book is necessary. The forms are available at the Piggly Wiggly on Highway 231or via email at jcgpw@live.com.

“The photographs on the cover of the book will be in color so we need color photographs of the teens if at all possible,” Garrett said. “However, the photographs inside the book will be black and white.”

Garrett said the families of the teenagers will decide what information they want to include.

“We are leaving the content up to the families of the teenagers,” Garrett said. “The story might be completely about the teen. It might be about the accident or it might be a way to encourage other teenagers to be safe drivers. Just whatever the family wants to include.”

The stories and photographs may be dropped off at the Piggly Wiggly on Highway 231. The photographs should be in an envelope or plastic bag.

“Stories may be faxed to 770-7447 and the picture emailed to jcgpw@live.com, if that is more convenient,” Garrett said.

Last year’s Teen Driving Event was the first of its kind in Pike County and attracted more than 300 participants.

Garrett said the event was such a great success because of the volunteer support.

“We had many generous sponsors and again will be asking for monetary donations and door prizes,” she said. “We thank all of those who have already stepped up and volunteered their time, talents and services. And, we thank in advance, the volunteer support we will receive this year.”

Donations to the Pike County Teen Safe Driving event may be mailed to Jennifer C. Garrett, 1225 Hwy 231 South, Troy, AL 36079. For more information, contact Garrett at 268-6469 or Jamie Scarbrough at 672-5392.