Darien Students Learn Lesson In Dangers Of Drunken Driving

DARIEN, Conn. -- Darien High School students learned first-hand the dangers of unsafe driving as the Darien Police Department sponsored the “Students Against Destructive Decisions” (S.A.D.D.) Safety Fair in the school courtyard on Thursday, April 30.

A student takes a ride on "The Convincer," a 5 mph impact simulator, as Connecticut State Police Officer Chris Toney looks on, at the Thursday Safety Fair at Darien High School.
Photo Credit: *Skip Pearlman*

Darien High students watch friends try out "The Convincer."
Photo Credit: *Skip Pearlman*

Members of the Noroton Heights Fire Department are on hand at Thursday's Safety Fair.
Photo Credit: *Skip Pearlman*

A student tries on glasses that simulate being under the influence.
Photo Credit: *Skip Pearlman*

Officers Beth Diiorio (left) and Court Isaac, of the Darien Police Department, deliver a message about texting and driving.
Photo Credit: *Skip Pearlman*

Students hand out SADD bracelets and stickers.
Photo Credit: *Skip Pearlman*

A crashed vehicle is on display.
Photo Credit: *Skip Pearlman*

Students try their hand at the "Wheel of Misfortune."
Photo Credit: *Skip Pearlman*

Bracelets help deliver the message.
Photo Credit: *Skip Pearlman*

Skip Pearlman

05/01/2015 5:00 a.m.

The Department of Motor Vehicles, the Connecticut State Police, the S.A.D.D. Team, Safe Rides, and many other groups and individuals were on hand to help raise awareness about driving safety.

A crash simulator was in place for students to experience what it feels like to be in a collision or rollover crash, and students were able to get an idea of what it would feel like to drive drunk through the use of special glasses.

“Educating and allowing the students to experience first hand the results of driving unsafely will be more impactful than just telling teens what to do,” said Janice Marzano, program director of The Darien Teen Center.

The purpose of the campaign is not only to achieve safer teen driving habits on a daily basis, but to also target the upcoming Prom Night and summer season as well.

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