“Ghost Out” program will educate students on impaired driving
The Florida Department of Transportation Highway Safety office is partnering with local agencies to conduct an alcohol and drug awareness program known as “Ghost Out” in high schools across the state to raise teens’ awareness of the consequences of impaired driving. “Ghost Out” events occur at local high schools throughout the school year with a strong emphasis prior to Spring Break, Prom and Graduation.
Throughout the day of the “Ghost Out,” the grim reaper selects several students from class to represent victims of an alcohol or drug related crash. During an afternoon assembly, students testify about their experiences with impaired driving. As the victims’ obituaries are read, a mock funeral takes place. Classmates watch as each victim is covered with a sheet and laid to rest.
“We want to encourage students to use good judgment when faced with peer pressure to drink or do drugs at parties or other social events,” said Marianne Trussell, FDOT Chief Safety Officer. “Most importantly, we want them to realize that law enforcement and other agencies are focusing on underage drinking and that if you choose drink and to get behind the wheel while impaired the consequences will be serious and often deadly.”
Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of teen fatalities in this country. Teens are involved in three times as many fatal crashes than all other drivers nationwide. Inexperience and immaturity combined with speed, alcohol, lack of safety belt use and distracted driving are key factors in many teen crashes.
“This powerful program sends a strong message to our students on the consequences of impaired driving,” said Major Bobby Plair, Gulf County Sheriff’s Office. “We hope this will encourage them to make better choices behind the wheel, and to realize that one bad decision can make this mock funeral a reality.”
In 2008, there were 1,169 alcohol related fatalities on Florida’s roadways, according to the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. The risk of crashing rises dramatically with blood alcohol content at any age, and the effects are higher for drivers ages 16 to 20. Florida has a zero tolerance law, meaning it is illegal for people under 21 to drive after drinking any amount of alcohol.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, on average, someone dies every 30 minutes due to impaired driving and someone is injured about every two minutes. For more information, suggestions, comments and questions regarding this program, please contact Trenda McPherson @ trenda.mcpherson@dot.state.fl.us.