Ava Fonss, Editor-in-Chief
@afonsscourant
From April 25 through 29, the Parent Faculty Association and police department held a week-long initiative to promote safe driving among teen drivers. Students engaged in various interactive events that urged young drivers to remain cautious behind the wheel. The week culminated in an assembly featuring Chris Sandy, a motivational speaker specializing in alcohol awareness. All junior and senior students were expected to attend the assembly.
Activities provided for students during the week included a mock car accident, distracted driving simulations, and a ‘Fatal Vision Goggles’ challenge. The mock car accident, which occured in front of the school on April 26, used a car provided by AC Autobody and was organized by the New Canaan Police, fire department, and EMS.
Members of the theater department, such as senior Avery Russey, took on roles as actors in the mock accident. “The preparation was pretty simple,” she said. “The EMS and officers told us how it was all going to work and put some fake blood and cuts on us.”
For Avery, participating in the mock accident served as a valuable learning experience. “I learned a lot about the realities of accidents that result from intoxicated driving,” she said. “The police and EMS workers were extremely knowledgeable and were able to answer any questions we had about what goes on when these situations occur in real life, which I found out is typically multiple times a week.”
Junior Emily Fox, who participated in the Fatal Vision Goggles challenge, was surprised by her experience. “I found the goggles to be very eye-opening,” she said. “I did not expect it to be as difficult as it was. I couldn’t even stand still with one foot in front of the other.”
The challenge gave Emily a new perspective on the dangers associated with impaired driving. “I couldn’t even walk straight,” she said. “I can’t even imagine getting behind the wheel in that state when I wasn’t even able to balance on one leg for ten seconds.”
Mr. Sandy hopes that students took away valuable lessons from the assembly. “I want everyone to be safe as drivers and think of others on the road. Being safe drivers is part of the ultimate goal.”
Many students recognize the value in the experiences that Safe Driving Week provided. “Since we’re all new drivers at the high school, it’s really important that we get real demonstrations that teach us about the danger that we could be putting ourselves and others in,” Emily said.
In regards to the mock accident, Avery had a similar outlook. “I hope that students left with a new understanding of how dangerous it can be to drink and drive, and hopefully that influences them to be smart when it comes to their choices when they get themselves into situations that could potentially put them at risk.”
Principal William Egan shared his advice for students. “I want people to be safe at all times, especially with prom coming up,” he said. “I think it’s really important that students get a better understanding about the best possible choices that they can make, not only during this season but at all times.”
