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Lake Country students learn about driving safety ahead of graduation, prom

A mock car crash demonstrated the importance of not driving while impaired
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Students at George Elliot Secondary School in Lake Country learned about driving safety during a mock car crash presentation. (Contributed/District of Lake Country)

Seatbelts save lives. Don’t drink and drive. Put your phone away while behind the wheel.

It’s these common phrases used when it comes to driving that Grade 12 students at Lake Country’s George Elliot Secondary learned the importance of through a live demonstration put on by local RCMP, firefighters, and paramedics.

The information day started with a 45-minute presentation which included personal experiences from Lake Country RCMP officers.

Students were then taken to the parking lot where a car crash had been staged.

“It was an excellent presentation put on by our community about safety,” said a GESS staff member. “I found the lesson to be very impactful and can definitely say that the kids were talking about it for the rest of the day. Please make sure your kids actually understand why wearing a seatbelt is so important. They went into detail regarding drinking, distracted driving and more.”

Students watched real-time efforts made to save the life of someone ejected in a crash for not wearing a seatbelt all while caring for others in the vehicle.

The driver of the mock crash was suspected to be impaired and was taken into custody at the scene.

“The purpose of the presentation was to remind young drivers to make good choices – especially coming up to the grad celebration time of year,” said Brandwyn Rigby, RCMP school resource officer and event co-organizer. “Plan to have a designated driver – no alcohol and no drugs; no distractions; and seatbelts in use for all occupants of a vehicle. Getting young people talking about those choices and planning ahead for how they plan to celebrate their graduation can make a huge difference. If this presentation can save just one life, it is absolutely worth it.”

The Lake Country Fire Department and RCMP, BC Ambulance Service, GESS principal and staff, Mario’s Towing, the Rotary Club, and Lake Country’s cultural development coordinator and communications officer are credited for making the learning opportunity possible.

READ MORE: Community helping community with annual YMCA Cycle for Strong Kids fundraiser in Kelowna


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Brittany Webster

About the Author: Brittany Webster

A video journalist with Black Press Media. I recently made the exciting move from my radio anchor position at AM 1150 to this new venture.
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