Author: Molly Jordan
Planning Unit: Bracken County CES
Major Program: Health
Plan of Work: Healthy Lifestyles for Bracken County Residents
Outcome: Long-Term Outcome
During the last few months of school, prom and graduation season is in full swing, sweeping both teens and parents into a whirlwind of dresses, tuxedos, caps, and gowns. Unfortunately, these joyous celebrations often involve alcohol, making this the most dangerous time of year for youth drunk driving. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), one in three alcohol-related teen traffic fatalities occur during prom season, from April to June. An estimated 20% of all accidents involving teens are alcohol-related, with about a third of these crashes happening during this period. A survey by the American Automobile Association (AAA) found that 84% of teens believe their friends would be more likely to drive after drinking than risk getting in trouble by calling home for a ride, and 22% said they would ride in a car with someone who had been drinking.
To address this issue, the Bracken County 4-H and the Bracken County FRYSC partnered with various emergency response agencies in the county to provide a program highlighting the effects and possible outcomes of drinking and driving. On April 17, 2024, the Safe and Sober Prom event took place at Bracken County High School for Augusta Independent Schools and Bracken County High School juniors and seniors. This program featured a mock crash event involving real wrecked vehicles. The scenario depicted a group of teens on their way to prom after taking pictures, drinking in their vehicle. The other car in the scene was driven by Molly Jordan, a 4-H agent, with her daughter McKenna as a passenger. Various emergency agencies and law enforcement were called to the crash scene, extracting victims and portraying the tragic death of Molly, who was removed by the coroner. After the crash scene was cleared, students were escorted to the football field for a mock memorial service, where they witnessed the lasting impact of their choices involving drinking and driving.
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