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News ::..
Teen Focus on Safe Driving Held (10-15-2009)
Scores of students from public and private high schools throughout St. Tammany Parish took part in the fifth “Teen Focus on Safe Driving” held at the Castine Center in Pelican Park October 14, 2009. Participants heard presentations from a variety of speakers, including the parents of Ashlee Stokes, a Northshore High School student injured in a tragic accident on May 25, 2008, that left her in a wheelchair.
Students watched a powerful video produced by Channel 13 that told Ashlee’s story and how she is undergoing extensive therapy, but still takes part in school activities. Ashlee then joined with her classmates from Northshore High in front of the Teen Focus stage for special recognition.
In the main presentation, David Ernest spoke to the group about the consequences of drinking and driving. Also, a "Jaws of Life" demonstration was given in the parking lot by Fire Districts 1 and 4, showing participants how first responders work to save the lives of people trapped in wrecked automobiles.
Students then took part in lively discussion groups, coming up with a list of activities they could sponsor back at their own high schools to raise awareness of the dangers of drinking while driving, text messaging behind the wheel, and riding in a car without buckling seat belts. The result is a “plan of action” for each high school which has, over the years, proven effective in reducing teen injuries and fatalities. Follow up activities next Spring will help re-inforce the lessons discussed at the Teen Focus event.
A large number of exhibits were on display by area community service organizations. One of the favorite exhibits was one where students could wear goggles that simulated the disorientation caused by drinking alcoholic beverages.
Exhibitors taking part in this year's event included Acadian Ambulance, Amplify Resources, Booze ‘N Cruise, You Lose!, Buckle Up Stencil Project, DriveZebra.com, Lakeview Regional Medical Center, the Louisiana Automobile Theft & Insurance Fraud Prevention Authority, the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission, Louisiana State Troopers, the Mandeville High SADD Chapter, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the National Safety Council, Operation Drive Smart, Precision Driving Academy, Project Graduation, St. Tammany Fire District No. (Slidell) & Fire District No. (Mandeville) – Jaws of Life, St. Tammany Parish Hospital Parenting Center, and the Youth Service Bureau of St. Tammany.
The first Teen Focus forum was held in November, 2004, in response to several tragic vehicle accidents in which teenagers from public and private schools were severely injured or killed. School System organizers brought together a wide range of knowledgeable community representatives to present their case in the first forum of its kind. The previous four teen forums have met tremendous success, with approximately 300 students from 14 high schools in attendance at each forum.
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