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Every 15 Minutes
By Vanessa Durand, Staff Writer
Every 15 minutes a person is killed in an alcohol-related traffic
collision in the United States. At mid day, a collision was staged
in the front of the school involving drunk driver Senior Megan
Hunt and passenger Senior Daytona Borders. After a few
drinks the two decided to head back to school, hoping that driving
while intoxicated would not affect their motor skills or safety. On
route to the high school, the driver struck two bystanders; John
Yessner and Tim Duerr. Although the incident was a
complete dramatization, the power of such an experience left all
emotional and in awe. Throughout the day, students were pulled from
their classes by the Grim Reaper every fifteen minutes to symbolize
those who are killed by drunk drivers every day within the time
period. Students were made up to appear dead and effectively played
the role as well. Obituaries were made by the student’s parents to
further the impact of what is actually felt by families and friends
when such a tragedy takes place.
At a glance, the image of fellow classmates “dead”
seemed odd, but was nothing less than horrific. Just the visual and
thought of losing a loved one drove many to tears. It was difficult
for some to fully embrace the Every 15 Minutes program as a learning
experience but the feeling quickly changed. The program not only
educated El Segundo High School, friends, and parents about the
dangerous effects of drinking and driving, but added an element of
reality. The emotional connection experienced by everyone involved
could compare to nothing else. Daniel Truax, a program
participant, commented “Every 15 Minutes was one of the heaviest
experiences I’ve ever had. I didn’t think it was possible to get so
close to 18 people overnight, but Every 15 Minutes brought us
together on common ground and now it’s like we’re family.” So many
grew closer to one another which triggered all to re-evaluate their
lives, priorities, and decisions. Senior Megan Roy states,
“It was one of the hardest, yet most amazing experiences I have ever
been through and I will never forget any of it. Words can not
describe the emotions I felt for those 48 hours. The moment I hugged
my parents and close friends after it was all over was one of the
best feelings I have ever had. Life is precious, cherish every
moment of it.”
The purpose of the program is to teach kids that poor
choices hurt those you love. The pain that drinking and driving
causes cannot be compared to other situations. As was said at the
second day assembly, if one is mature enough to drink, one is mature
enough to make the right choice. Hunt who played the role of
the “drunk” driver, added, “Every 15 Minutes was life changing to
say the least. I learned so much and I am so grateful I was able to
participate in the program.” The aftermath of such an experience is
one that should never be experienced but can completely
be avoided. Senior Travonn Smith,
another program participant said, “Every 15 Minutes really impacted
my life because it gave me a chance to experience how easily
everything can be taken away. It showed me how precious life can be
and how much I am really loved by my friends and family members.”
According to the
National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration,
16,885 people died in alcohol-related crashes
in 2005 and alcohol was involved in 39 percent of all crash
fatalities in 2005. The staggering numbers should speak loud and
clear.
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