Constantine High School emphasized students not drink and drive during the upcoming prom and graduation season with a “Project Prom and Graduation” assembly on Wednesday (April 25).
Constantine Police, LifeCare Ambulance and Constantine Fire Department staged a mock accident and rescue scene outside for the entire student body. The Jaws of Life were used.
Officer Holly Cerny spoke to Constantine High School students on the dangers of drinking and driving during prom and graduation season on April 25th. Constantine Police, LifeCare Ambulance and Constantine Fire Department staged a mock accident and rescue scene outdoors for the entire student body.
Officer Holly Cerny spoke, following rescue methods step by step for students and warned against alcohol and drug use. Cerny said alcohol is a depressant, affecting judgment. “It slows down reflexes, relaxes you and makes you careless,” she said. “In a fatal accident, it’s not unusual for a drunk driver to survive and walk around without a scratch on him.”
“What’s the standard reply to the question, ‘How much have you had to drink?’ Everyone says ‘I’ve only had two beers.’”
“Alcohol is noticeable on the breath when you are pulled over,” Cerny said. “With fatalities we do a BAC (blood alcohol content) – draw blood to see how high alcohol level is.”
If a driver exhibits signs of alcohol but tests negative, drugs are likely to be the culprit.
“Marijuana slows the system down…slows down the reflexes,” Cerny said. “You can tell users. They drive super slow, while drunk drivers think they are Superman and can go 100 mph.”
“You think it’s not going to happen to me. I hope not. The worst thing as a law enforcement officer is to go to a parent and tell them their child has been in an accident,” she added.
“Pick a designated driver, or call a parent. A lot of parents say, ‘I’d rather you call, so I know you are safe.’”
“Remember, once you drink, your judgment goes out the window. Make sure you have a plan,” she said. “Understand a vehicle weighs 3,000 pounds, that’s a heavy hunk of metal.”
Alcohol is the number one drug of choice for teenagers. It is the number one drug problem in America and alcohol-related car crashes are the number one killer of teenagers in the United States.
One of the most important things is to realize it’s not just about you. Make the right choice.”
Following the staged accident, students had an assembly, and were asked to sign a pledge they will not drink and drive. Names were added as a leaf on the “CHS Tree of Life.” Also, “I believe in Me; I’m drug free” bracelets were distributed.
The Constantine High School Prom will be held Saturday (April 28) at the Old Bag Factory in Goshen.
Source: Story and photo contributed by Angie Birdsall.
