Johnston County Schools are tackling a growing problem -- teenage driving deaths.

Johnston County has one of the highest rates of teen driving fatalities in the state.

So it didn't take long for the school board to adopt a plan that board members hope will lead to fewer traffic fatalities among its students.

Board members voted to extend Drivers Education programs by seven hours in its schools, which includes a defensive driving course.

Board members also gave the green light to enforcement measures such as revoking parking privileges, for a period of time, from students who receive a speeding ticket or are caught not wearing a seatbelt.

These are aggressive, but necessary measures according to school leaders.

"We don't want any other families to suffer the loss of a child due to teen driving," said schools spokeswoman Terri Sessoms.

"On the weekend at home you hate for the phone to ring because you're almost worried that's it's -- someone else has past away. It has lit a fire in us to try to do something to move in the right direction," said Deputy Superintendent Dr. Ed Croom.

The school board plans to launch the new campaign Thursday.