SECOND CHANCE PROGRAM
Parents, "THE TRUTH", Alcohol is the number one drug of choice for America's teens. Even though the legal drinking age across the country is twenty-one, a sixteen year old is more likely to die of an alcohol related death than any other. Every twenty-three minutes a teenager dies in an alcohol related accident. Nearly sixty-five percent of all major traffic accidents involving teenagers are alcohol related. One out of three teens admit they have been in a car with someone who has been drinking and seventy-five percent say they can buy their own alcohol.
Your son/daughter has just completed a program at Nordonia High School called "Second Chance." This program is a component of our school's Health and Drug Abuse Resistance Education Program (D.A.R.E). The students had a unique opportunity to see what it would be like to drive while under the influence of alcohol. Thanks to Baker Vehicle Systems who donated a golf cart and Sgt. Keith Obly of the Macedonia Police Department, who attained the Fatal Vision Goggles, students were able to see the dangers of drinking and driving. All who participated were involved in a simulated accident. Had this been an actual drinking and driving accident some would have walked away, and some would not. In reality, you rarely get a second chance, fortunately, "ALL" did! Students were asked what they would do with that second chance. One step is to talk with you, the parent (s) about the experience, what they learned and what you could do to prevent this from happening to your son/daughter.
I hope our "Second Chance Program" will spark a discussion with you and your son/daughter about the dangers of drinking and driving. As a teen, the worst thing you can do is to ignore "The Truth." As a parent, the worst thing you can do is nothing. You may "Never" get a second chance.
Parents, you are the single most important influence on your child's life. They may argue or seem to tune you out, but they're still listening to what you have to say. You can significantly reduce the odds that your child will smoke, drink, use drugs or engage in inappropriate behaviors that can impair their health. "How", you ask? Get close to your kids. Kids who are close to their parents are less likely to engage in risky behaviors. The more involved you are in your child's life, the more valued they'll feel and the more likely they'll be to respond to you.
Respectfully,
Gary A. Kanaga
Health Teacher
Nordonia High School