ST.CLAIRSVILLE — Prom is thought of as one of the most memorable times in a teenager’s life, but it also can be a time of danger if poor decisions are made.
According to information provided by AAA, hundreds of teens die each year due to alcohol-related accidents. To help teens stay safe behind the wheel, AAA hosted a pre-prom safety event at the Ohio Valley Mall on Thursday. Mary Lou Gallimore, manager of traffic safety programs for AAA, said she feels it is important to host this event and try to get the message out to teens.
“I think it is beneficial because it gives them a lot of information and they enjoy getting the information in this way. Prom is coming up and it is a very serious time for them to be driving,” she said. “Hopefully the things they have learned will click in their minds when they are out driving after the prom.”
Gallimore also has a story that hits home for her that makes her want to help teens take more safety precautions during prom.
“I worry a lot during prom season. One of my son’s classmates was hurt really bad on prom night.,” she said. “It affected his brain, so he did not get to graduate. After prom is over, I am so relieved for the kids who made it through.”
Students from several local high schools attended the event and listened to guest speakers such as Belmont County Common Pleas Judge Frank Fregiato, Ohio State Highway Patrol Lt. James Faunda, Martins Ferry Police Chief John McFarland, and Wheeling Hospital trauma nurse Heather Merkeli. The speakers all talked to the students about safety and had one important message in common: Do not operate a vehicle while intoxicated no matter what the circumstances are.
The Bridgeport and Martins Ferry K-9 unit also conducted demonstrations on how to detect drugs with dogs.
Students also got to have an interactive experience with exhibits such as:
∫ A brake reaction timer from AAA
∫ Impairment goggles from the Beep Beep Driving School
∫ A large tow truck and damaged car from Bill’s Towing
∫ Distracted driving simulators from the Ohio Department of Transportation
Crossroads Ccounseling Service, Cumberland Trail Fire District, and Belmont County Health Department also provided information booths for students.
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