Wheeler County Youth Hosting Week-long Event to Raise Awareness of Number One Killer of Teens
Print This PostAccording to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, traffic crashes are the number one killer of teens, and more one-third of teen traffic deaths are alcohol-related. Tri-County Family Connection’s Youth Action Team (YAT) is hosting Safety Awareness Week at Wheeler County High School (WCHS) beginning today to bring driver safety awareness to the students—especially before prom.
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| T-shirt the students from the Youth Action Team designed for Safety Awareness Week. |
YAT members are distributing literature concerning teenage drivers that include information on the hazards and consequences of operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol—as well as texting—and the importance of wearing safety belts. YAT members also are handing out pledge cards to students for their signature stating that they promise to wear their seat belts and not drink and drive. Facts concerning alcohol and drug-related crashes are included in school announcements throughout the week, and students are receiving goodie bags filled with lanyards, key chains, pens, and pencils with messages about driver safety.
A mock Crash Reeanctment will be held on Thursday, April 12, 10 a.m. to focus on what can happen when young drivers drink and drive, or ride with impaired drivers. Emergency response teams will simulate their tasks, and students will be dressed and made up to appear as crash victims. The crash re-enactment will take place in front of the entire student body. In the scene, one student has been drinking and driving and has crashed into another vehicle. The student in this vehicle has been texting and driving, injuring the passengers.
Heartland EMS, Horne Wrecker Service, Life Star, Wheeler County EMA, Alamo Fire Department, Alamo Police Department, Springhill Fire and Rescue Department, Wheeler County Coroner, Georgia State Patrol, Safe Kids of Toombs and Surrounding Counties and Wheeler County High School Drama Club are all collaborating on this event. This is a very emotional and powerful program with a strong impact on the students. All are welcome.
Contact:
Kristy Bennett, M.Ed.
Director
Tri-County Family Connection
912-347-4805 (office)
912-539-0517 (cell)
tricountyfc@gmail.com
William Valladares
GaFCP Communications Manager
404-527-7394 (x114)
william@gafcp.org