Smart Start Driver's Assembly Shares Message of Caution

For high school seniors, the newfound freedom that driving brings also requires more responsibilities. At Scarsdale High School, part of the process ensuring that students are reliable and informed enough to operate a vehicle included requiring all new drivers to attend the Smart Start Driver’s Assembly, held in the SHS auditorium.

Yesterday evening, approximately 75 percent of the senior class, a total of 270 students, came to the mandatory workshop with their parents to receive their coveted SHS parking permits.

“Although I know that many of you are not thrilled about being here tonight, we feel that this is an important program for you to attend," said interim co-principal Fred Goldberg. "While we are in awe of your academic prowess and applause your academic achievement, it is your health and well being that we cherish."

Statistics show that motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death of young people between 15-20 years old. SHS’s Smart Start program was designed to save lives and make students aware that they are not invincible, nor immune, to the dangers of speeding and distracted driving.

The hour-long program focused on Rick and Tina Blank of nearby Rye Brook, who shared the tragic story of their son, Michael Blank, who died 11 years ago.

Like the students present, Michael was a new driver who had recently acquired a license after obtaining his permit and completing a road test.

Michael, who enjoyed his newfound freedom on the road, was speeding one night, causing his car to fly into the air and smash into a telephone pole on Rye Brook's King Street. Hazardous driving conditions were not present, nor was there drug involvement. Michael was simply driving too fast. 

Following Michael's death, the Blanks began traveling to nearby high schools, sharing their son’s story to keep memory alive -- and to also let students know it can happen to them.

“We will never know if your attendance and the words we speak will have any impact on you whatsoever,” said Tina Blank. “It is our hope that in some small way, tonight helps you by preventing a car accident that damages your car, an accident that hurts you or an accident that involves a totally premature death of a young person." 

Michael was a normal teen who loved his family, sports and cars. When he was 16, he took private driving lessons. He drove his mother to the train station three days a week so he could drive her SUV to school. But on Christmas evening in the year 2000, he asked to use the family’s Mercedes on a trip to see a friend. His parents told him to drive carefully, and Michael, said he'd return by 9 p.m.. He never came home.

After a Rye Brook police officer came to the Blanks' door to bring them the horrifying news, Michael's parents visited their son at Westchester Medical Center, where he was on life support. No outer scratches, bruises or broken bones or mark were left on his body -- only a drop of blood in his ear. Michael’s brain, however, suffered the most damages, resulting in his brain ceasing all functions.

“I could feel my body go limp into the chair,” said Tina Blank. “We knew we were living every parent’s worst nightmare.”

Unable to hold back their tears, Michael's parents explained how they donated their son's organs so his death could at least provide life to another in need. Approximately 1,000 people attended Michael's funeral.

The most poignant part of the evening occurred when Chris Greco, a classmate of Michael's, shared memories of his friend's untimely death. Greco spoke via video recording about how the two loved to talk about cars together. Blank desired to own a yellow Acura Integra Type-R, a sports vehicle, said Greco. “When you are 16, you think you are invincible," said a teary-eyed Greco. "Don’t think it’s cool not to tell your friends to slow down.”

Michael’s death affected everyone in the community of Rye Brook, including the students at Blind Brook, where he attended school. Greco, who was on the basketball team, said his teammates dedicated their season to Mike, who was a big supporter of the team. When they went undefeated the next year, Greco said he wished his friend had been alive to share their triumph. "It was the best moment of my life," Greco said. "But Mike wasn’t there to share it with me.” 

“Nobody should have his picture in front of his class in their high school yearbook,” said Rick Blank at the presentation's end. “Make sure your picture is where it should be -- with the rest of your classmates.”

After the Blanks finished speaking, Scarsdale police officer Armando Nava warned the teens against distracted driving, driving with friends in their vehicle and texting while driving. All, he said, are a combination for disaster.

“Remember that driving on the road is a privilege, not a right, that the Department of Motor Vehicles gives you,” Nava said.  

Concluding the evening, Scarsdale junior Jamie Tanzer described her "Hang a Tear, Prevent a Tear" project for her Girl Scout Gold Award. Jamie has made over 700 tear drop-shaped pendants that can hang on a car's rear view mirror to serve as a constant reminder to drive responsibly at all times. This way, one can avoid the great sadness resulting from accidents caused by irresponsible driving. The Tears, which come with a pledge to drive safely, were handed out at the end of the assembly. 

CORRECTION: The following text has been changed from the original posting of this article: the assistant principal who spoke during the program was not Kelley Hamm, but Fred Goldberg, interim co-principal. The original version said the program was an annual event, this was the first year the assembly was held.