Lincoln-Way Students Perform Car Safety Checks for Senior Citizens

Senior citizens who stopped by Lincoln-Way North High School on Nov. 8 can rest assure knowing their cars are ready for the cold winter months.

Students in the school’s automotive program teamed up with area police departments to perform free winter car care check-ups for senior citizens between 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.

They checked everything from car tires and batteries to belts, hoses, fluids, steering and suspension – all under the supervision of auto instructors Anthony Ogarek and William Cummens.

“I am so proud of our auto instructors (Ogarek and Cummens) and our students for assisting the Frankfort Police department in this worthy event,” said Daymon Gast, who chairs the agriculture and industrial technology department at Lincoln-Way East and Lincoln-Way North high schools.

“Our students are excited to be able to demonstrate their acquired knowledge to the public,” he added. “This event is very real for them as they are able to provide accurate, unbiased facts to the owners of the cars for their winter safety.”

More than two dozen senior citizens booked appointments with the Frankfort Police Department, filling every available time slot.

Students worked with a checklist, inspecting the cars’ headlights, brake lights, back up lights, turn signal lights and fog lights. They even checked the cars’ windshield wipers to make sure they weren’t peeling or torn.

The program was organized by the Frankfort/Mokena TRIAD, a senior safety group sponsored by the Frankfort Police Department, Mokena Police Department and Will County Sheriff.

This was the third year students and police have teamed up to give senior citizens an unbiased account of whether their cars are safe for the winter driving season.

Students who inspected the cars on Tuesday said they found the work rewarding.

“It’s exciting to work on cars,” said Lincoln-Way North senior Dominic Hartman. “And it always feels good (to help someone out).”