Students from Crooms AoIT are hosting kick-off event for distracted driving awareness initiative on April 28th
From SCPS Press Release:
On Wednesday, April 28, a group of Crooms Academy of Information Technology students, called the Reynolds’ Right Hands, will be hosting an event for students and distinguished guests. Crooms AOIT is located at 2200 West 13th Street in Sanford.
Distraction-related fatal car accidents account for 16% of all fatal car crashes in the U.S. according to a statistic found at www.distraction.gov. The highest proportion of these incidents involved drivers under the age of 20 (16% of distraction-related incidents). Distraction-related incidents occur when three states of being are affected—visual, manual, and cognitive. These incidents often occur through the use of a cell phone or other electronic devices.
The Reynolds' Right Hands is a group dedicated in bringing awareness to the dangers of distracted driving practices and to prevent tragedies similar to the recent one experienced at their school. Students from Crooms AOIT, Caroline Smith, Tyler Kraus, Rosemarie Santorelli, Jamie Utt, and Katherine Hindes, started this group following the tragic death of a member of Crooms' staff, Ms. Christy Reynolds. On November 15th of 2009, Ms. Reynolds was killed in a car accident on a local Sanford road leaving behind her daughter Susiann, her beloved family, and the many thousands of lives she touched. It was suspected that a distraction, such as using a cell phone, was a likely factor in the incident. This event opened students’ eyes to these dangers. To honor her life, students of the school created an awareness group dedicating its name to Christy Reynolds with the goal of resolving the problem distracted driving imposes on society at large.
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The Reynolds' Right Hands have had many achievements for their cause. On March 25, Chairperson Caroline Smith spoke before the Seminole County School Board with a proclamation approved by the board making the month of May "Distracted Driving Awareness Month" for all Seminole County Schools. A public service announcement was also presented, made by Tyler Kraus. This PSA is being played at every Seminole County high school during the month of May. Students from Crooms AOIT and other Seminole County high schools have written letters to our legislators urging them to follow 20 other states in making texting while driving illegal in Florida.
The Reynolds’ Right Hands have nearly 1,000 fans on their Facebook page. Competing in a contest for $10,000 and national acclaim from the National Organization of Youth Safety, the Allstate Foundation, and actoutloud.org, the Right Hands have been gaining fans on Facebook to help spread the word. They have already been selected as a top 20 team nationally and won $1200.
To help the Reynolds’ Right Hands win the national competition and to continue their cause, go to Facebook.com and search for "Reynolds' Right Hands – Act Out Loud 2010" and "Like" the page. A direct link to the page is also available at www.actoutloud.org. Voting will take place on the Act Out Loud website from May 10-21 and will decide who wins the grand prize. Reynolds’ Right Hands are reaching out to the community for help winning the grand prize.
In an effort to introduce itself to the public, provide information on the great dangers associated with distracted driving, and honor Ms. Reynolds, the Reynolds' Right Hands are hosting a "Distracted Driving Awareness Kickoff" event at Crooms Academy on April 28th, from 10:30 AM until noon.
All students will gather around the flagpole, receive a purple TTYL-I’m Driving wristband, and hear the proclamation read. Students will sign a pledge promising not to let distractions such as cell phones hinder safe driving and to make smart decisions before stepping behind the wheel of a car.
The event is open to Crooms Students, staff and invited guests which include the Seminole County School Board members, Executive Director of High School Education Walt Griffin, Superintendent Dr. Bill Vogel, Seminole County Commissioner Mike McLean, the Reynolds' family, and many other supportive community leaders, and the media.
