Contributed by Davon White, Blue Zones

Lutes Steer Clear: student-athletes call for safer roads in Pierce County

PARKLAND, WA – Blue Zones Project Parkland-Spanaway, Most Steer Clear, and Pacific Lutheran University Athletics have united to introduce the Lutes Steer Clear campaign, a collaborative movement focused on reducing distracted and impaired driving across Pierce County.

Designed to empower residents to make wise choices behind the wheel, the initiative uses student leadership to champion a culture of safety, accountability, and community pride. As the holiday season approaches, the campaign encourages all drivers to recommit to mindful driving and help create the safer, more connected community that Parkland and Spanaway deserve.

Addressing a growing concern

The tragic loss of PLU student Paola Arredondo in October 2025 shook the community and underscored how quickly reckless driving can change lives. Her death, along with several recent collisions in the area involving impaired or distracted drivers, strengthened community calls for renewed awareness and accountability on the road. Families, educators, and students have voiced a shared desire to prevent further harm – and to honor those who have been affected by advocating safer habits behind the wheel.

Though dangerous driving remains a top concern in Pierce County, young drivers themselves are leading the way towards safer behaviour. The 2025 Washington Traffic Safety Commission Annual Statewide Traffic Safety Survey reports that 91% of young drivers in Washington choose to drive sober, highlighting a foundation of responsible decision-making that this campaign aims to amplify. Building on this momentum, the Lutes Steer Clear campaign responds to a clear community need: encouraging awareness, celebrating smart choices, and preventing future tragedies.

Students leading by example

To address growing concerns about roadway safety, Blue Zones Project Parkland-Spanaway, Most Steer Clear, and Pacific Lutheran University launched Lutes Steer Clear – a campaign that transforms student leadership into community action.

Through November, PLU student-athletes shared why they choose to drive sober and distraction-free, demonstrating how every day decisions behind the wheel can protect their teammates, families and neighbors. Together, the partners combine community outreach, behavior-change insights, and authentic testimonies to promote accountability and safer roads for everyone.

“Parkland and Spanaway have some of the lowest life expectancies in Pierce County, and that’s exactly why Blue Zones Project is here to help our community live longer, healthier and safer lives,” said Queena Tupou, Executive Director at Blue Zones Project Parkland-Spanaway. “PLU athletes are leading by example, reminding us that protecting life begins with everyday choices.

By steering clear of drinking and driving, we’re not just preventing tragedy–we’re choosing a future where every young person has the chance to grow older, to thrive, and to come home.”

For many student-athletes, the message is personal: “My dad has been hit twice by distracted and impaired drivers. When I’m behind the wheel, I think about how my choices could change someone’s life forever. That’s why I steer clear,” said Lia Zaboski (Class of 2026, PLU Women’s Lacrosse).

Lia’s story is one of many shared throughout the campaign and Pierce County residents are encouraged to visit the Blue Zones Project Parkland-Spanaway social media channels to read them all.

Call to Action

As the holiday season approaches and impaired driving often increases, Lutes Steer Clear calls on all Pierce County residents to help keep the roads in our communities safe. By steering clear of drinking, drugs, and distractions, drivers can protect their loved ones and support the culture of accountability student-athletes are championing across our community.

In the weeks ahead, the campaign will continue sharing stories, resources, and reminders that promote safe driving and decision making.

Local journalists and media outlets are invited to help amplify this message by spotlighting the campaign.

The following campaign materials are available to accompany coverage of Lutes Steer Clear:
● High-resolution photos of PLU student-athletes participating in the campaign
● Social media graphics materials from the Lutes Steer Clear campaign

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Most Steer Clear is a statewide campaign powered by the Washington Traffic Safety Commission. It is designed to promote accurate, peer-led messaging about impaired driving, showing that most young people make safe decisions and encouraging others to do the same.
Learn more at http://www.moststeerclear.org

Blue Zones Project Parkland-Spanaway is a community well-being initiative dedicated to helping residents live longer, healthier, and safer lives. By partnering with schools, businesses, and local leaders, the project works to make healthy choices easier and strengthen the social fabric of the community.
Learn more at http://www.parklandspanaway.bluezonesproject.com