Safe teen driving
It is that time of year again when accidents are plentiful due to the nice weather, prom and graduation seasons. Unfortunately, in past years the EHOVE family (like most high schools), has experienced tragedy in the loss of a student or loved one, due to senseless, distracted and impaired driving.
EHOVE Forensic Science students came up with the idea to save lives. It really was that simple. Their goal is to educate high school students about the dangers of these types of violations and inspire them to teach others EHOVE's message. “We came up with it to save people’s lives,” said Forensic Science student Lexy Smith (Perkins HS).
Car crashes are the number one killer of teens, so these EHOVE students put together Save a Student . . . Don’t Drive Distracted. Their week- long campaign focused on local teen driving statistics involving distracted and impaired driving violations.
This Thursday, April 19, all students will attend a mock crash set up by the Forensic Science students, which will include a realistic scene and presentation. Speakers from the Ohio State Patrol, LifeFlight, North Central EMS, Evans Funeral Home and local fire departments will illustrate the dangers, responsibilities and outcomes of distracted and impaired driving. Their other efforts will include:
-public service announcements to students about relevant statistics and information, meant to spur discussion within each classroom about safe driving
-seatbelt check of students and staff coming on campus
-short student survey about their driving habits
-presentation and videos during lunches
-display with “Promise” cards and literature for students about teen driving safety
“My goal, along with the Senior Forensic Science class, is to avoid such a tragedy from occurring this year ,” said Forensic Science Instructor Kelly Bodkin. “As a former State Trooper, I have been on the scenes of these tragedies and personally witnessed the loss of life in my own hands. It’s an experience I will never forget speaking to the victim’s families and watching the grief wash over them when they have been told their loved one won’t be coming home.”
The students’ idea turned out to be one of the top 25 selected nationwide for a $2000 grant from Project Ignition to put their plan into action. Now, they’re in the running for the top prize of another $7500. Project Ignition is a grant program from State Farm Insurance and the National Youth Leadership Council, which utilizes service-learning to address teen driver safety issues through student-led campaigns.
“We’ve looked into a lot of things and want to impact teenagers, but also different age groups and what they do too,” said Forensic Science student Haley Olds (Monroeville HS).
PHOTO: Forensic Science students with State Farm agent Cindy Norcross.
