Safe Driving Seminar
By: Joseph Ptacnik
On Wednesday, March 22 th , Litchfield students in grades 7th through 12th attended a seminar
over safe driving. A PowerPoint given by Traci Rademaker was given explaining the dangers of
drowsiness, speeding, and the dangers of cell phone distraction. She explained that 10% of
drivers under the age of 20 involved in fatal crashes were distracted. The more teens that are in a
car, the higher the risk is of being in an accident. 46% of teens who died between 2012 and 2014
were not buckled. Seat belts reduce injuries by 50% and fatalities by 60 to 70%. Teens are least
likely to buckle up. 22% of teens reported riding with a driver who has been drinking while driving.
Drivers 16 to 20 years old are 17 times more likely to die in a crash when they have a B.A.C. of
.08% compared to when they haven’t been drinking. After the PowerPoint the students split up into
different groups where there were multiple activities. A couple of activities were simulating picking
up trash while being drunk and a driving simulator and car where you had a delayed reaction time.
Students enjoyed this seminar and would like to thank Mrs. Poland for setting this up and CHI
Health for coming out and doing this activity.
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