Thurston High School simulates dangers of distracted and impaired driving

Local teens got an up-close look at the devastation created by distracted and impaired driving. The Lane County Sheriff’s Office and Springfield Public Schools hosted the “Every 15 Minutes” program at Thurston High School.
 
Every 15 Minutes is a two-day underage drinking and driving prevention program which challenges teens to think before drinking and operating any type of motor vehicle, riding in one after the operator has been drinking, or engaging in activities that cause them to become distracted such as cell phone usage. It also focuses on the impacts those decisions have on family, friends, and the people you leave behind when someone is killed as a result of an alcohol or distracted driving related crash.
 
Scheduled activities include student education and awareness, a mock crash scene, and school-wide assembly including a guest speaker. 
 
Partnering agencies include the Springfield Police Department, Mohawk Valley Fire & Rescue, Eugene Springfield Fire Department and Musgrove Family Mortuary. 
 
Videographer Michael Sherman of Spring Fed Media created a video during the 2019 Every 15 Minutes program hosted at Elmira High School.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Brian Richardson, SPS Communications Director, 541-221-7597

Sgt. Tom Speldrich, LCSO Public Information Officer, 541-682-4179