World-renowned "Save A Life Tour" visits Waukon High School ...

Students at Waukon High School received some first-hand experience with the effects of impaired and distracted driving when the world-renowned Save A Life Tour: Safe Driving Awareness Program visited Waukon Friday, September 8. Freshman through senior students first all attended an hour-long assembly that began at the start of the school day with a thought-provoking video followed by a live presentation in which Save A Life Tour presenters shared some of their own personal experiences with impaired or distracted driving, some of which included the loss of a family member or other far-reaching impact. Students were then broken down into smaller groups to take part in driving simulation exercises (such as those pictured) that provided students, although sober, with a realistic perspective on the effects of driving while impaired by the use of drugs or alcohol (top photo) or distracted driving from the use of a cell phone provided as part of the driving simulation experience (photo below).

"Distracted driving is an epidemic, and we wanted to bring this program in to give students a realistic look at what can happen if they drive impaired or distracted by cell phones," shared Waukon High School Assistant Principal and Activities Director Brian Hilsabeck, who was instrumental in bringing the program to Waukon High School. Waukon High School Principal Dr. Mike Hardy said the program was made possible by the support of several local sponsoring agencies, including Allamakee Substance Abuse Prevention (ASAP), the Allamakee Athletic Booster Club, Bieber Insurance and Real Estate, and State Farm Insurance - Agent Scott Houg of Waukon. The Save A Life Tour travels globally to deliver its message of safe driving awareness, having presented its program across the world at schools, universities, corporate workshops, military bases and even the U.S. Department of Defense at the Pentagon. Standard photos by Joe Moses.