Deerfield High School Sends Message to Young Drivers

May 14, 2009
Contact: Elise Schaffer, PIO Phone: (608) 284-6142 Email: schaffer@co.dane.wi.us
Sheriff's Office

Drivers between the ages of 16 and 19 are more likely to be in a motor vehicle crash than any other age group. According to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (DOT), in 2007, 11.6% of all licensed teen drivers in Wisconsin experienced a crash. At 11:30 am on Friday, May 15th, Deerfield High School (300 Simonson Blvd.) will hold a mock traffic crash for the entire student body. The presentation will show the students the devastation that can occur in a crash. The Dane County Sheriff’s Office will be co-sponsoring the event, along with the Deerfield Fire Department and DeerGrove EMS. Dane County Sheriff David Mahoney will address the students at the beginning of the presentation, which is scheduled to last until approximately 1:45 pm. With prom and graduation season upon us, reminding teens of the life and death decisions they make while behind the wheel is of even greater concern. Wisconsin DOT statistics show that weekends are more deadly for teens than weekdays. On average, a teen driver was involved in a fatal crash every 3.5 days in 2007. The means of showing the students what can happen in a motor vehicle crash may be extreme, but the message at Friday’s assembly will be simple. Drive the speed limit, wear a seatbelt, pay attention, and never drink and drive. ###