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Health & Fitness

"Every 15 Minutes" Shows Students the Importance of Making Correct Choices Before Getting Behind the Wheel

On April 24, 2014, Hillsborough High School seniors witnessed a simulated alcohol-related car accident in the high school parking lot along Amwell Road. This two-day long simulation allowed students to see, first-hand, the events that occur immediately following an alcohol-related car accident including the involvement of Hillsborough Police, Fire, and EMS departments, hospital activities, court proceedings, and a memorial service the following day.

 

The Every 15 Minutes program aims to provide high school students a real-life experience without the real-life risks.  The emotionally charged program, which includes the involvement of multiple community elements (including students, parents, educators, law enforcement and emergency personnel, and local health care system) teaches students the importance of making the right decision when it comes to drinking and driving.

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The Every 15 Minutes organization educates students at high schools across the country. The program is so named because of the alarming statistic that every 15 minutes someone in the United States dies from an alcohol-related traffic collision.

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Hillsborough High School students actively participated in all aspects of the program, from portraying accident victims to student videographers filming event details that were held offsite so that all students were able to experience the full program. On April 25, seniors reconvened in the high school auditorium and watched the student made video of the previous day’s activities as well as held a mock memorial service for their peers who were portraying accident victims.

 

“Each year we hold the Every 15 Minutes program for our seniors prior to spring activities such as prom and graduation,” stated Rebecca Balaguer, Hillsborough High School Substance Abuse Counselor and the school’s program coordinator. “It is our hope that it makes each student stop and think about the impact that their decision will have on themselves and others prior to making the decision to get behind the wheel of a car while impaired.”

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