Grand Terrace High School participated in the nationwide program known as “Every 15 Minutes,” on the 10th of April. The 15 Minutes’ program brings a great coalition of local agencies such as the San Bernardino County Sheriffs, local emergency medical responders and the Colton Joint Unified School District. The program represents the unnerving statistic that every 15 minutes someone makes the decision to get behind the wheel and risk the lives of not only themselves but also endanger the lives of others by driving under the influence. The program is a two-day program where they recreate a staged car accident where cars are donated from a local junkyard. The car crash incident showcases students in the crashed cars covered in special effect makeup who are then carried out on a stretcher after the “accident”. Local sheriffs and ambulances volunteer in the program to bring attention to the dangers of drunk driving and how serious the consequences can be.
The second day of the program entails a school ceremony where they honor the lives of students who have passed in accidents due to intoxicated drivers. They have speakers such as families who have been directly affected by drunk drivers and have lost a loved one. One of the speakers during the event spoke about his personal experience of getting behind the wheel while under the influence. Griffen Halko was involved in a dangerous and life-threatening car accident back in 2008 where he lost a close friend who was sitting in his passenger seat. He maintained in a coma before he was able to gain consciousness and continue a life normally after serving some time. Halko spoke to inform students and family members to understand how crucial the decision is to get behind the wheel; “The biggest thing that this program offers is an opportunity for students to understand the reality of this.” 15 Minutes is a harrowing yet informational program that evokes caution as students move forward into their adult life where they are tempted to drink. Halko mentions how effective the program is; “while we see it in the media, we assume that it happens every day, we don’t really assume it’s going to happen to us.” The program rules effective as it continues to inform the dangers of driving and the importance to stay vigilant at all times.