Speakers warn against drunk driving at “Every 15 Minutes” follow-up assembly

By Judy Park,
BlueDevilHUB.com Staff–

A simulated car crash organized by Davis High staff and students took place Tuesday, April 5 to demonstrate what happens when a student gets behind the wheel while under the influence of alcohol. The following day, an assembly took place in the North Gym with several representatives who came to share experiences and prevent others from making bad decisions.

The simulation also included students periodically being removed from class Tueaday to symbolize the loss of life from drunk driving; several parents of the “deceased” students gave obituaries for their children at the assembly as well.

Next, police officer John Wilson spoke about the inevitable results of drunk driving and gave advice on avoiding these kinds of accidents.

Lonnie George, a representative from Mothers Against Drunk Driving, spoke for more than 20 minutes about the death of his son Matthew, who was killed about five years ago in a drunk driving accident.

“I’ve been speaking for Matt for about a little over four years now,” George told the somber audience. “When people ask us how we deal with the loss of a child, coming here and sharing stories in order to prevent others from making the wrong decision does it for us.”

Junior Nate Hornbuckle was impressed by the realness of the situation. “Everybody seemed to have gotten the message quickly,” he said.

Hornbuckle believes “Every 15 Minutes” could be even more effective if people who have actually survived accidents speak at the assembly.

“Maybe if some people who survived an accident where they drove drunk or were in a car with someone who was drunk had come in and talk about their experiences,” he said.

Senior Max Appel also believes that the program did a great job of raising awareness.

“I felt like it was not only a great way to tell but to show the dangers of drinking and driving, and how it affects those who aren’t in the accident,” Appel said.

George hopes his speech made an impact.

“I hope that […] when [students] get into that predicament that this will come back and be in their minds; they won’t get into a car with someone or don’t get behind the wheel,” George told The HUB.

“It makes an impact on someone’s life that their parents won’t have to go through anything like that. That’s always our goal, to touch at least one life,” George said. “We hope for more but one life will change. It means something that matters knowing that he didn’t die in vain.”

Listen below to hear the obituaries read at the assembly by Darsie Fisk, mother of junior Abbey Fisk, and Amy Keen, mother of senior Robert Keen: