MCFRS News Release

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Every 15 Minutes Program Comes to Poolesville High School

Fire and Police Department Partner on Important Safety Message

Montgomery County, MD - - - On Wednesday, May 1st, juniors and seniors at Poolesville High School will feel the drama of a simulated alcohol-involved auto accident. The Every 15 Minutes Program offers real-life experience without the real-life risks. This powerful program challenges students to think about drinking, distractions, driving, personal safety and the responsibility of making mature decisions when lives are involved.
 
A simulated traffic collision will be staged in front of the school and Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service (MCFRS) emergency crews will treat “injured” student participants along with Police Department officers and the department’s accident reconstruction team. Although the event is simulated, these students will experience firsthand what it is like to be involved in a tragic, alcohol-related collision and the consequences. The injured students will be extricated using the Jaws-of-Life by MCFRS personnel. Montgomery County Police officers will investigate, arrest and book the student "drunk driver." The afternoon assembly, which will begin at 1:00 p.m., will include a powerful video made by the students and several featured speakers included Cathy Carnahan who tragically lost her son Dale, a high school athlete and 2008 graduate of the school, in a car accident.   

The good news is with more education and awareness programs such as “Every 15 Minutes,” the 15-minute interval is increasing; however, the numbers are still too high. Will this program successfully impact the students at Poolesville High? Only time will tell however if just one student makes a good decision not t o be distracted while driving, not to drink and drive and not to get into a car with someone who has, then the answer is yes.

Media are invited to this event. Poolesville High School is located at 17501 W. Willard Road, Poolesville, Maryland. Events will take place throughout the day. Most notably, the kick-off assembly and the simulated crash scene will occur beginning at 8:30 a.m. and wrap up around 10 am. Concluding the day will be a powerful assembly that will take place from 1 – 2:10 p.m. For a detailed schedule of the day, please email or call 240-777-2463.

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