2008.09.30
Mock crash brings drunk driving lessons to Glenvar High
Youth of Virginia Speak Out About Traffic Safety (YOVASO) coordinated a mock crash complete with stage blood from the drama department, real students and public officials, and a real message against drunk driving. Sergeant Tim Wyatt, the traffic coordinator for Roanoke County, helped set the scene for nearly the entire school--over 600 students.
"I think a lot of people were shocked by it, especially the underclassmen," Glenvar's YOVASO president Taylor Duncan said. "They didn't think it would be as realistic as it was." She played one of the drivers in a car donated by Woods Towing in Vinton. Her front seat passenger was Scott Carroll. Because his character wasn't wearing a seatbelt, he was ejected through the front windshield onto the hood. The stage crew made it appear that he was impaled on the right wiper blade. The students were visibly moved--most through their facial expression, and a few with tears.
The drunk driver was played by Danielle Rucker, in a crashed car by the Blue Ridge Regional Crash Team. Her character was questioned on scene and arrested for driving under the influence. While she wasn't injured, a teen character from each car was killed, and one character was set up to be transported by Lifeguard 11. The Fort Lewis Fire and Rescue Department also added to the reality of the scene.
"This is simple, this is a visual," Wyatt said. "It serves a twofold purpose." If the students don't understand the impact of possibly injuring themselves and others, they'll understand the law enforcement consequences. "We hope they get the message ... but if they make that choice, it comes down to 'we told you so' and you'll [they'll] pay the price for it."
Click here for more pictures from the Sept. 30 mock crash.
Is there an event or neat story in your school--from "Grandparents' Night" to a seatbelt campaign, from a school play to a unique program or teacher? Send your idea or event (or pictures of the event) to us at news@sosalem.com and we'll try to cover the event for an upcoming edition of So Salem!
OTHER RECENT GLENVAR COVERAGE:
* Sept. 26: Glenvar football JVs defeat James River
* Sept. 25: Glenvar - Salem Young Life banquet draws 250
* Sept. 24: Photos from the Glenvar dodgeball tournament
* Sept. 22: More photos of the Glenvar victory over Covington
* Sept. 20: Photos from the Glenvar - Covington game
* Sept. 18: Photo from Glenvar volleyball practice
* Photos of Glenvar’s fall sports teams
