The Azle ISD Police Department in partnership with the Azle Police and Fire Departments hosted a distracted driving program at Azle High School for all juniors and seniors before spring break.
Similar to the Shattered Dreams program, the purpose of this event was to raise awareness about the dangers and potentially tragic consequences of distracted driving and to stress the importance of behaving responsibly when behind the wheel.
On Wednesday, March 6, juniors and seniors watched a pre-recorded video that included school staff and students. Students were moved to an area outside that replicated the pre-recorded accident scene with firefighters, emergency medical personnel, and a funeral hearse. During the remainder of the day, approximately 20 previously selected students were pulled out of class and taken to a location that will include a presentation and other activities. The students were selected by student organizations and staff members and represented the “living dead.”
On Thursday, March 7, juniors and seniors watched a live presentation from a guest speaker who experienced the tragic loss of a family member, due to the negligence of a distracted driver. Freshmen and sophomores watched a live stream video of the guest speaker presentation.
Following the presentation, the Azle ISD Police Department was at AHS providing students with the opportunity to take a pledge with “Nickel from Nicole,” which is a non-profit program to promote awareness for safe driving.
The two-day program involved the hard work and collaboration of first responders, students, administrators, and community members. AHS students and staff members participated in the reenactment, theatre students did make-up for the event, and video production classes produced the video and filmed the event.
The Azle Police Department Crime Trailer also visited AHS to tell the tragic story of "Hornet" James Harris Jr. and to encourage students to think about their choices and act responsibly.
AHS first hosted the program in 2003 and has impacted many juniors and seniors as well as parents, school staff, and community members over the years.
Thank you to our AHS parents and staff, first responders, and community members for supporting this program that provides awareness to high school students that may influence them to always be a safe driver.
Watch the Shattered Dreams video produced by AHS video production students.
