Schools
Crescenta Valley High Illustrates Deadly Alcohol-Related Crash
The "Every 15 Minutes" presentation shows the dangers of drinking and driving.
On a warm Thursday during regular school hours, one would think that it was just another ordinary school day. But it wasn’t. With Ramsdell Avenue, in front of , cordoned off by law enforcement and two totaled cars on the road, the scene was anything but ordinary. It was the site of an “Every 15 Minutes” presentation, designed to show the chilling fact that every 15 minutes, someone in the U.S. is killed in an alcohol-related collision.
“We’re hoping to spread awareness with the dangers of drinking and driving and also, getting into a car with someone under the influence,” said CVHS Principal Michele Doll.
The simulation of the fatal crash felt as though it were more than a simulation with volunteer students acting out the crash and wearing graphic makeup that made their grave injuries look real. CHP, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s department, and the fire department also responded to the simulated 9-1-1 call with sirens and the sense of urgency that these agencies would have in responding to an actual call.
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For months, Crescenta Valley High, along with volunteer students, faculty, CHP, the fire department, and the worked on organizing the simulation in hopes of making the presentation “as powerful as possible,” explained CVHS Assistant Principal Charlotte Sassounian who played an integral role in coordinating the event.
“The project started back in September. We started with 94 students who wanted to volunteer and we would meet every other week and sometimes more often. We also presented the info to parents and coordinated with CHP,” said Sassounian.
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The presentation concluded with the Sheriff’s department arresting the 18-year-old driver of the white SUV for driving under the influence of alcohol. The simulation also involved taking the severely injured students to Verdugo Hills Hospital. A mock funeral will be held during today’s CVHS assembly for the students who were killed in the accident.
A GUSD news advisory specifies that funding for the Crescenta Valley “Every 15 Minutes” program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, augmented by a generous donation from CVHS PTSA.