Henderson high school students are participating in a national program aimed at preventing DUI incidents and saving lives. At a time when teenagers may be tempted with chances to participate in underage drinking, a local area high school has chosen to send a powerful message to their students with the Every 15 Minutes program. Every 15 minutes, a driver, passenger, or an innocent bystander dies from an alcohol-related car crash. Every weekend, a teenager dies in a car crash and half of those accidents involve alcohol. This message about the dangers of drinking and driving will be brought to local teens in a unique way.

This week, local Foothill High School juniors and seniors will learn a tough lesson about the dangers of driving while impaired. Participants will be guided through a powerful two-day event complete with student and teacher involvement, guest speakers, and even a chance to tour what looked like an active fatal accident scene involving friends and peers.

By giving teens a close-up look at the real and tragic consequences of driving while impaired, there is hope that students will take the lessons to heart and make safe choices for themselves in the future. The Henderson Police Department has partnered with other area agencies since 2001 to create this unique learning experience for over 46,000 Henderson teens.

Teens often have feelings of invincibility about dangerous choices and feel like nothing bad could possibly happen to them. By launching an interactive program to show the up close and personal dangers of what could happen to them and other teens like them, it drives the point home.

As a TAM® Card holder or hospitality worker, are you doing all you can to help bring the number of drunk-driving related accidents even lower?

Remember to remain vigilant:

• Hang signage in your store or bar stating that customers will be carded. ALWAYS check identification carefully, especially for anyone who appears to be under the age of 30.
• Report any suspicious behavior or activity to your supervisor or manager.
• Be an example to others by promoting safe beverage policies and keep up-to-date with your TAM® training.

Do you think the Every Fifteen Minutes program is a useful tool in reducing teen drinking and driving?

Resources

• Every 15 Minutes Program Coming to Foothill High School