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Newark High School students got to experience firsthand April 28th what it’s like to drive impaired by alcohol or other drugs or distracted while using their cell phone. Following an early morning, 35-minute virtual assembly, presented by representatives of the International Save A Life Tour, about the danger of impaired or distracted driving that the entire school watched, 11th and 12th grade students could take time from their history classes throughout the day to try “driving” virtual reality driving simulators in the school auditorium.
NHS Prevention Counselor Krystal Crawford said students really enjoyed the experience. “They had fun, but it also gave them an opportunity to see what can happen when you drive distracted or impaired,’’ she said. The International Save A Life Tour is a comprehensive, safe driving awareness program that informs, educates, and demonstrates the potential consequences resulting from poor choices and decisions made by the operator of a motor vehicle. The program specifically places emphasis on the following driving situations:
• Driver Experience – young drivers and driver behavior based on maturity
• Improper Driver Behavior – careless driving habits, speeding, turn signal use
• Safety Restraints – proper seat belt usage
• Impaired Driving – alcohol usage, controlled substance, drowsiness
• Distracted Driving – cell phones, passenger activities
• Motorcycle – awareness, operation
Jason Cooper, New York Safety and Wellness Coordinator for the International Save A Life Tour also arranged to have Sarah Smith, secretary to Wayne County Sheriff Robert Milby and Wayne County Sheriff’s Deputy Kevin Vaughn, the Newark Central School District School Resource Officer, set up a Stop DWI booth for their department and answer students questions and hand out pamphlets, lanyards and other materials April 28th in advance of end of the school year events like Commencement and other related activities. Above: