Teens learn dangers of impaired, distracted driving

OAKWOOD - With spring underway and summer break just around the corner, high school students are spending more time in their cars. And, that means the potential for more traffic accidents involving teens. That's why Hall County officials have been making the rounds of area high schools, educating kids on the dangers of impaired and distracted driving.

Hall County Sheriff's Lt. Gene Joy said the team was at Johnson High School Thursday, presenting its realistic skit, entitled "Fatal Vision." Joy said they use vehicles that were involved in actual crashes.

"We have smoke grenades that go off to simulate an actual car crash," said Joy. "The students that are actresses and actors in the [skit] parts have 'blood' on them."

Plus, Joy said, emergency personnel respond to the scene of the simulated accident to make the scene even more realistic.

He said the goal is for teen drivers to make better decisions behind the wheel.

"Once they see our program and they get behind the wheel of a motor vehicle to drive, they're going to think about what they've seen and what they've heard and make better decisions for themselves," said Joy.

Students from all six Hall County High Schools as well as those from Gainesville High will have a chance to see the presentation before the end of the school year.

http://accesswdun.com/article/2011/4/237940