Distracted driving kills — that was the message emphasized by a group of ACS high school students this week during presentations to fellow high school and middle school students during PE classes. The students made their presentations next to a smashed-up car donated by Flemings Junk Yard. “This is what can happen to you if you text and drive,” said senior Dakota Hitchner. Juniors Andrew Arsenis and Matthew Castellane also shared stories of family members who were seriously injured in accidents caused by distracted driving.
The students had been working since February on their project to promote safe driving as members of a new Safe Driving Club, overseen by Athletic Director Chris Eaton. The club received a grant from the Brain Injury Alliance of New Jersey to create the project, which also included making a video on the dangers of distracted driving. Next week, club members will be going to Six Flags Great Adventure to present their project at a state-wide event with other high school students who have worked on similar safe driving projects.