Pantego Christian Academy Jolts Students with Distracted Driver Consequences Display

April 25, 2012 - PRLog -- More than 3000 teenagers die violently each year in car wrecks-   approximately eight teenagers a day.  Wednesday, April 25th, Pantego Christian Academy and Doug Lovejoy State Farm will present a graphic, day-long “Broken Promises” program to raise awareness among high school students about the dangers of drinking and driving, texting and driving and other forms of distracted driving.  The mock crash scene, which begins at 9:15am, will include fire, ambulance and helicopter emergency response and transport.  Unlike programs that focus specifically on drinking and driving, Broken Promises will also encompass texting behind the wheel.

“The Broken Promises presentation is both graphic and compelling — a realistic approach that effectively delivers the message that the price for distracted driving is far too high,” said Proud Pantego Parents President Vicki Sypien.   “Our hope is our students will be so impacted by what they see and the emotions they experience; they will pledge never to risk their lives, and the lives of others, by getting behind the wheel after drinking alcohol, or to focus on texting while driving.”

Pantego Police, Pantego Firefighters and paramedics will respond and begin trauma treatment at the scene of the mock crash, and PHI will land a helicopter on the football field and transport a “victim” to an area hospital.  Wade funeral home will also receive “victims” of the crash.  Following the accident, students will return to class where the Grim Reaper will appear every 15 minutes to remove students will be made up as “living dead,” and returned to the classroom where they will not be allowed to interact with other students.  The day will culminate in a Mock memorial service for the victims, featuring a video of the entire story from the activities leading up to the crash through the aftermath.  Students will hear from the mother of a teen killed in a drunken driving accident, and will have the opportunity to sign pledges about their own safety in the car.

“In the insurance business, we have real perspective on just how many teenagers are hurt or killed in car accidents in communities every day,” says Doug Lovejoy, State Farm Agent and Broken Promises sponsor.  “We know many of these accidents can be avoided with awareness and safe choices, and we are excited to help give these students a chance to experience the consequences of unsafe choices in a mock situation.”

WHAT: Broken Promises: mock crash, emergency response, memorial service
WHEN: 9:00am-3:30pm (specific event times and locations outlined below)
WHERE:  For crash scene and emergency response, media should report to Pantego Christian Academy football field behind the high school building by 9am.  Crash scene begins at 9:15, helicopter arrives at 9:30.  For Grim Reaper, media should report to High School office to be escorted, Grim Reaper will remove students from 11am-1:30pm every 15 minutes.  For Mock Memorial service, media should report to Elementary lobby by 2:30pm to be escorted into auditorium. Memorial service is from 2:40-3:30.
MEDIA NOTES:  All students involved in Broken Promises event have media releases signed by parents on file in the High School office and will be permitted to speak with the media.  Parking for crash is available at football field.  Parking for Grim Reaper is available in high school parking lot.  Enter through east set of double doors.  Parking for Mock Memorial service is in front of elementary school.  PCA elementary is the middle of our three buildings.  Enter the driveway with the circular drive and park facing the building in the guest parking next to the handicap parking.  

On-Site Contact: Vicki Sypien 972-839-5840

About Pantego Christian Academy:
Pantego Christian Academy is an independent, interdenominational, preparatory school providing a Christ-centered education in a secure, nurturing environment to over 800 students in pre-K through 12th grade.  We are committed Christians called to pursue excellence in all we do for the glory of God.  To the families who entrust their children to us each year, we take our role as co-workers very seriously in the education of our students.  We hold this sacred trust as stewards in a partnership, and passionately commit ourselves to our strategic role as a Christian educational institution to develop our students spiritually, emotionally, intellectually, and physically to their highest potential.  

About Doug Lovejoy State Farm Insurance:
Our agency has served the Pantego/Arlington community for 35 years.  Our primary focus is to assist families and individuals with their insurance and financial services needs.  Community involvement is a privilege.  Partnering with local schools in the development of students is something we take seriously- an investment in everyone’s future.