Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/1251513
KEEPING STUDENTS SAFE BEHIND THE WHEEL "We've also incorporated the distracted driving because the statistics show now that if you're driving distracted, you're driving is impaired just as badly as a person who is intoxicated, because of your delayed reaction time," said Red Bow. According to IPR, considering impaired driving accidents per Capita, Fremont County is the most dangerous county in the nation. I've been teaching for 12 years now, and I've had students who have passed away because of impaired driving," said Red Bow. It's not just something that you read about; this is real life. This is definitely something that we need to address." This year, students participated in field sobriety tests wearing specialty goggles designed to simulate some effects of intoxication. Students also drove a vehicle simulator, and the training didn't stop with students in the driver's seat. "I asked my students how many of them see a distracted driver every day," said Red Bow, "every single one of them raised their hands. All of my students admitted to—at some point—having ridden with a distracted driver," said Red Bow. "I stress for my students: You can't control the driver. But you can wear your seatbelt and protect yourself that way." R ed Bow plans to continue working with IPR and his School Resource Officer to continue bringing this training to his students each year. "The younger our kids are when we can teach them about good decision-making, the safer they will be." Middle school Health & PE teacher Buddy Red Bow is working with Injury Prevention Resources (IPR) and his School Resource Officer to help students make good choices behind the wheel. "I just don't want anything to happen to these kids, because we struggle with things like this in our county," said seventh grade PE Teacher at Lander Middle School, Buddy Red Bow. "In Fremont County, we struggle with a lot of people drinking underage and driving while impaired." Each year, Red Bow teaches his students about the dangers of impaired driving. Red Bow initially began teaching students about driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Most recently, their learning has expanded to include all types of distracted driving, including texting. P h o t o : S t u d e n t s p r a c t i c e d r i v i n g i n a s i m u l a t i o n p r o g r a m . P h o t o c o u r t e s y o f I n j u r y P r e v e n t i o n R e s o u r c e s . 2 0 1 9 . E D U C A T I O N A B O U T T H E P E R I L S O F I M P A I R E D D R I V I N G 18