In The NewsLessons From A Mock Accident
Originally printed in The Westerly Sun
Friday, May 1, 2009It's a sad fact of life that most teens, by the time they graduate from high school, will have lost a friend, relative or classmate to drunk driving, or seen a life altered by such a tragedy.
It's even sadder that this terrible cycle still doesn't seem to be likely to end any time soon.
What does it take to get the point across? How about witnessing an accident, but without the death and destruction?
Michelle Clark, a senior at Westerly High School, organized a mock accident for the school's juniors and seniors. Clark was aided by numerous members of the community: the Westerly Ambulance Corps, the Westerly Police Department, the Westerly Substance Abuse Task Force, fellow students and senior project advisor Andrea Bishop. In the "accident," six student actors were involved, with one "killed," one "arrested" and four "injured." Responders arrived, went to work while students were covered in fake blood, and the police made sure to arrest the perpetrator.
Hopefully, the effects of the mock accident will go far beyond last weekend. The event was part of Clark's effort to reinstate a chapter of SADD at the school. A chapter at Westerly High School, or any school, can help remind students on a regular basis of the dangers of this self-destructive.
behavior. Let's face it; many students will continue to drink. But if they are given a truly powerful wake-up call now and then, perhaps they will think twice before drinking and driving or allowing a friend to drink and drive. Maybe they'll even become aware of just how much danger they can cause for themselves and others by drinking too much.
Every single teen who is convinced to keep from becoming a menace on the road matters.
Who knows what lives can be saved by the courage of youngsters standing up for their convictions by supporting SADD and the efforts of the WSATF.
And it's not just about teens and drunk driving. Every adult should pay attention, and become more aware of the effects of self-destructive actions. Proms, graduation parties and Memorial Day weekend are coming up, and the point brought forth at the mock accident should be in the minds of drivers who will be at these and similar events throughout the summer.