On Wednesday 5/15/13, Officers from both Ashburnham and Westminster Police Departments joined Oakmont staff, guest speakers and student body to discuss the responsible actions on the roadways. Intended to educate our young drivers on the dangers of distracted driving, information was presented using national and local crash statistics, Massachusetts Law and the consequences of distracted (mobile device) and impaired (drunk and drugged) driving. Our efforts reinforced the idea that crash prevention starts with students committing to keep each other and our roads safe during this year’s prom and graduation season. We encourage all parents with driving age children to spend time discussing the importance of smart decision making.

BUCKLE UP. EVERY TRIP. EVERY TIME. High fatality rates and low seat-belt-use rates among teens continue to reach distressing levels year after year.

PUT YOUR PHONE DOWN: Make a pledge to protect lives by never texting or talking on the phone while driving.

NO ALCOHOL, OR DRUGS: Ask your friends before the party starts: “Who’s got your keys?” You can save a life by simply asking that one question.

BE A GOOD PASSENGER: Speak up if the driver in your car is distracted.

EDUCATE YOURSELF AND YOUR PEERS: Multiple resources available:

https://www.facebook.com/stopthetexts

http://www.distraction.gov/index.html

http://buzzeddriving.adcouncil.org/

http://sadd.org/formchapter.htm

https://www.facebook.com/NHTSA

http://www.mass.gov/essexda/docs/publications/alcohol-and-drugs/social-host-tagged.pdf

SPREAD THE WORD: To your family and friends about the dangers of distracted driving.

Ofc. John Boucher
Ashburnham Police Department
o. 978.827.4413 x459
f. 978-827-5703

jboucher@ashburnham-ma.gov

PDF feb and march 2013

Ashburnham Log PDF 11-17-12 to 12-17-12