Driving 98 mph in a 40 mph zone, after a night of drinking and no seatbelt?
It happened five years ago in La Plata County, and the resulting wreck ejected both the driver and passenger. Somehow, they survived.
Trying to show young drivers the results of making poor choices is a challenge.
The Drive Safe Coalition focuses on getting teens to talk with teens about the issues. Last week, members of the Southwest Regional Emergency and Trauma Advisory Council brought the casualty of that night of drinking, a 2002 Subaru, to show students.
"This is not normally a survivable accident," explained Colorado State Trooper Doug Wiersma, noting that in many such ejections, the driver or passangers are crushed by the car.
Matt Blanton, a junior at BHS, was one of the students who came to peer at the wreckage. He said if someone in his family has been drinking, they call for a ride.
"Dedicated drivers are important," he said.
The campaign also focuses on using seat belts, avoiding distracted driving, often while texting or using phones, as well as explaining the state's graduated driving laws.
The coalition is comprised of an injury prevent specialist and agencies such as the state patrol, EMS and fire agencies and the Colorado Department of Transportation.
"We are trying to get the coalition's message out to the community to help celebrate teens who have made the commitment to become the mentors of their peers and encourage them to be safe while driving," said Michiko Burns, who is a grant coordinator for CDOT.
Activities for the campaign continue with distracted driving activities on April 11-15 and a Think Fast interactive assembly on April 18.
