Sobriety is an issue that many teens from Woodland and all over the world have trouble with.

   According to www.SADD.org, about 72% of students have consumed an abundance of alcohol by the end of high school.

   Drinking and driving can have devastating consequences and impact lives.

   As part of Cal Brennan’s Senior Project, Woodland hosted a mock car crash May 12th. Juniors and Seniors were required to attend since most are licensed drivers and could very much be in that situation.

   The objective was to reveal what happens at a crash site and how emergency workers strive to save all victims on scene. The police performed a series of sobriety tests on the driver of the car, and the results included the intoxication of the driver. Ambulances and firetrucks sped to the location.

   Guest appearances were made from the police and fire department, along with Life Star.

   As police officers and firefighters examined the scene, Life Star was on its way. Life Star is a critical care helicopter service, with one location in Connecticut. “Star” stands for the acronym Support Training for Air medical Response. From Hartford Hospital, the helicopters respond to emergency calls to traumatic injuries in need of transport. According to www.harthosp.org/lifestar.com, about 1200 patients are transported annually within a 150 mile radius.

   The service has other locations throughout the United States, from Tennessee to Utah, in which the goal is mutual: to rescue injured victims as soon as possible. Their response came into play throughout Woodland’s Mock Car Crash.

   Three Woodland students played as actors. One of the victims suffered from a fatality, causing emotional intensity to spread through the audience.

   The presentation impacted spectating students dramatically.

   Tension and silence filled the air. Guidance counselors were available for those who were majorly impacted and needed to talk.

   Car crashes associated with drunk driving have caused many tragedies. Measures are being taken to lower the risk of crashes associated with drunk driving.

   Students Against Drunk Driving, SADD, is a major organization that is not supportive of the underage use of alcohol. Connecticut is one of the many states involved.

   Their mission is to provide students with the best prevention tools to deal with the issues of underage drinking.

   However, underage drinking is not their only focus. Other drug uses, risky and impaired driving, and destructive decisions are also pinpoint areas.

  As issues, like alcohol, are more exposed to society, the youth is more likely to become involved. Many children are being exposed to alcohol. According to www.SADD.org, about 37% of eighth graders have tasted more than a “sip” of alcohol.

   SADD believes that adolescents can have fun without becoming involved with alcohol. It can be found almost anywhere.

   About 63% of the youth who drink alcohol say that they initially got the alcohol from his or her friend’s house, according to www.teendrugabuse.us.

   When intoxicated, getting behind the wheel of a car can form a worst case scenario.

   The “Mock Car Crash” is one of the many informative programs hosted by SADD, along with other organizations. The mock crash is held annually among many schools in the United States.

   One regretful action can put lives at stake. Responsibility of one’s actions is necessary to make beneficial decisions in the future.

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