Below is a press release about a simulated deadly car crash that will take place at Milton High School on May 24, 2012.
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (DOT) estimates teen drivers are now 23 times more likely to be in an accident due to distracted driving. Nationally, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reports regardless of states with a no texting law, 45% of drivers ages 18 to 24 still text and drive.
To recognize this growing problem in our community, Mercy Health System is joining Milton Police, Fire and EMS, Milton School District, Rock County 911 Communications and Students Against Destructive Decisions to simulate a deadly car crash on May 24. Mercy Hospital and Trauma Center staff, ThinkFirst program instructors and local emergency response crews, will come together at 1:00 pm, to demonstrate to nearly 1,000 students what happens when a teen driver decides to drive drunk or distracted. The demonstration will be held at Milton High School, behind the school in the parking lot near Municipal Drive. The crash will be narrated by the Milton Fire Department and use real teen and adult actors. A short presentation will follow by a local woman whose mother was killed in a texting and driving accident and Mercy’s lead trauma surgeon who sees vehicle accidents involving teens.
About Mercy’s ThinkFirst Program: The ThinkFirst Program is a national, award-winning, evidence-based program aimed at helping young people learn to reduce their risk for injury. Mercy implemented the ThinkFirst Program in 2008 to educate young people about their personal vulnerability and the importance of making safe choices. The program is geared towards educational outreach for school-aged children in Janesville and the surrounding area. Mercy health educators visit schools and teach kids about the importance of thinking first to stay safe before participating in an activity. Mercy’s curriculum includes: brain and spinal cord safety, vehicle and pedestrian safety, bike safety, weapons and problem solving, playground, recreation, and sports and water safety.
For more information about Mercy, visit MercyHealthSystem.org.
