For adults, it can be hard to keep teenagers from rolling their eyes when addressing issues like safe driving and the dangers of DUI.
But a new program in several West River schools is bridging the communication gap, and hammering home the issues in a way that teens understand.
SDPB’s Charles Michael Ray has this story.
The program is called “Freshman Impact.” It’s a day long school event–that includes a hands-on presentation, speakers, a skit along with a mock crash and court sentencing.
“It’s all about teaching them choices you know positive effects and negative effects for bad choices,” says SD Highway Patrol Trooper Kelly Stern.
SD Highway Patrol Trooper Kelly Stern helped start the program. He says while the event is aimed at freshmen -- upper class students also participate in the mock accident and court proceedings. Stern says this way there is a peer to peer teaching component.
“It defiantly gets across to them. We’ve had a lot of good comments. To the point where we have a couple of schools that make it a mandatory thing for these kids come in and partake in this program,” says Stern.
Stern says over 30 agencies, including emergency responders and law enforcement from all levels of government take part in the program. He says more schools are signing on each year.
The program also runs a Facebook page to reach teens.