In an attempt to promote safe driving to students, the International Save a Life Tour came to the school on October 5, for an assembly presented to the juniors and seniors. Students gathered in the large gym in place of period 2 to watch a live presentation and listen to stories from the presenters.

“I really enjoyed the presentation that the two guys gave. It was very interesting to be able to listen to their personal stories and watch the video about a real life situation where distracted driving impacted someone’s life,” senior Lauren Young said.

Michael Estle and Keian Hagstrom from Grand Rapids Michigan were the two presenters who shared personal experiences and stories related to distracted driving.

“We hope that this tour is legitimately able to improve the lives of the people we meet. Students are often times preached to in high school by different authority figures and it’s very possible for some things to slip through the cracks in your attention but I wholeheartedly believe that safe driving is incredibly important and I try to get this information to students in a way that they can relate to and that resonates with them,” Hagstrom said.

The school has brought this program to students three times within the past 10 years, in addition to other safe driving programs.

“We think it is important for students to be reminded that the risk of distracted driving really is not balanced out by the need to stay in immediate contact with friends , family or playlists. Those who think they can do both, because they have gotten away with it without consequence in the past, are just testing the odds…which ultimately are against them,” K-12 Department Chair Edward Manfredi said.

Students were able to directly experience distracted driving through a simulation with a screen, steering wheel and a phone to receive texts.

“The simulation showed me how difficult it was to answer a text when you’re also concentrating on driving. I think this simulation can make a lot of people think twice about using their phones and driving,” senior Paige Walsh said.

While the main portion of the assembly was the simulation, the overall point was to provide students with tips and information on how to drive safely.

“Most definitely use the ‘Do not disturb’ mode or the AT&T Drive Mode App to avoid the impulse to answer the phone on the road. And absolutely speak up when your friends and family are texting and driving, I cannot stress that enough, it’s your life that’s at risk,” Hagstrom said.