Today, RCS SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) organized a mock crash for RCS High School students in partnership with Albany County STOP-DWI, the Albany County Sheriff's Office, the Ravena Rescue Squad, and Ravena Fire Department. The event aimed to remind students about the hazards and the real-life consequences of driving while under the influence.
In this important presentation, especially during prom season, students observed the orchestrated aftermath of a vehicular accident that was accompanied by a narrative. The presentation included driving statistics and facts on impaired driving. The students of SADD, staff, and various community rapid response agencies, such as police, fire, emergency medical teams, and local funeral home were involved in the narrative during the presentation.
The hope of going through this scenario is to help students make good decisions on the most memorial nights of their lives. This event is annually planned just before Prom Weekend to keep the message fresh in students' minds as they go out and celebrate.
"Teens are more likely than older drivers to underestimate or not be able to recognize dangerous situations," the CDC states. "Teens are also more likely than adults to make critical errors that can lead to serious crashes."
Studies by the CDC reveal that the primary factors leading to accidents among teens include speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, failure to wear seat belts, and distracted driving. Among U.S. high school students who drove in 2019, 39 percent said they had texted or e-mailed while driving at least once during the prior 30 days.