Component School Services News
Not One More Safe Driving Forum Touches Local
High School Students and Parents
More than 70 students and 30 teachers/administrators converged in the BOCES Resource Center to take part in a round table discussion about safe teen driving. This event was part of the ongoing countywide Not One More campaign and was sponsored by Orange-Ulster BOCES, Orange County Government and the Orange County Traffic Safety Board. The Not One More safe driving campaign was initiated by the Times Herald Record as a result of too many vehicular fatalities involving young people in our region. Local high school principals, PTA’s and PTO’s are also taking on vital roles in the crusade to promote safe driving.
| Orange County Executive Ed Diana spoke to students participating in the Not One More roundtable discussions. |
During the day, high school juniors from 16 school districts met to discuss their function in promoting safe teen driving. One of the goals of the Not One More initiative is to acquire a driving simulator and make it available to all schools so that students nearing or of driving age can practice their driving skills in the safety of a classroom. This simulator experience would be part of a comprehensive education program that promotes safe teen driving. During the evening, students, their parents and interested community members attended a Community Forum that included student speakers as well as speakers from law enforcement, EMS, and a representative from Virtual Driver Interactive who spoke about the value of driving simulators. A young accident victim, Chris Devitt, whose best friend was killed in the crash in which Chris was driving, spoke about the grave risks and consequences of drinking and driving.
The Not One More Committee is co-chaired by Mary Ann Wilson, BOCES Assistant Superintendent for Instruction, and Craig Cherry, Orange County Deputy Commissioner Police Liaison Services. Donations to the Not One More Fund are possible through the Orange County United Way thanks to the efforts of John Checklick, OC United Way President and CPO.