Canada-conceived program aims to curb alcohol-related fatalities among youth
With prom season in full swing, teenage boys and girls are getting prepared by renting elaborate tuxedos and gowns and having their vehicles tuned up for an evening of excitement and fun. Meanwhile, schools are working on the prevention of alcohol-related driving accidents through a "scared-straight" program.
The program, which got its start in Canada, is called "Every 15 Minutes" and hundreds of schools are using its teaching methods to make it clear just how dangerous it is for students to drink and drive.
"Every 15 Minutes"—referring to the statistic that a person dies in an alcohol related accident every 15 minutes–is a two-day workshop that has someone dressing up as the Grim Reaper. And every quarter-hour, the personification of death visits a classroom and takes a student. Moments later, a law enforcement officer comes in and reads the person's false obituary.
The second day usually has students view a reenactment of a drunk driving related accident.
School administrators are confident the program serves as a drunk driving deterrent. Driving under the influence can lead to a license suspension and vehicle impoundment even if no one is hurt.