header image

[Sign Up Now] to Receive Our FREE Daily SCVTV-SCVNews Digest by E-Mail

Inside
Weather


 
Calendar
Today in
S.C.V. History
March 29
1928 - Little dam victim, thought unidentified & buried in SCV, actually ID'd & buried in Chatsworth [story]
Newhall Cowboys


[KHTS] – Most fatal vehicle collisions involve a teen, and California Highway Patrol officers are partnering with other Santa Clarita Valley emergency officials to bring the Every 15 Minutes program to West Ranch High School on Thursday.

e15m3“Every 15 Minutes” is a two-day program which demonstrates to junior and senior high school students the impact impaired driving has on friends, family and their community.

From the start of the school day the simulation will begin. Every 15 minutes, a student will “die” in a fatal vehicle collision and will be pulled out of class by the Grim Reaper.

For the rest of the day, that student will be able to attend their classes but will be unable to communicate to their friends, teachers and family.

A simulated impaired driver traffic collision will occur at the top of the cul-de-sac in front of the high school at 10:40 a.m. While the collision scenario will take place for about an hour, the cul-de-sac will be closed from 9:30 a.m. through 11:45 a.m.

After the crash, the “walking dead,” crash victims and impaired driver continue to learn about how distracted driving can affect their family, friends and community.

The impaired driver goes to court and jail, any survivors of the crash are taken to Henry Mayo Memorial Hospital where they “die,” the walking dead and crash victims go to the youth grove and cemetery. All of the participants are cut off from communicating with their family and friends.

The next day, various speakers will give speeches about teens who have been killed in vehicle collisions including Tom and Alice Reynolds, who lost their sons Tim and Danny as well as Wayne Rhoades, who lost his son Andrew Rhoades, Lutz said. The students involved in the simulation and Santa Clarita City Councilman Bob Keller will also speak.

e15m121312bowman2“I believe that Every 15 Minutes is particularly important in this valley because of the extraordinary amount of driving age students in the valley,” said CHP Officer John Lutz.

More than 67 percent of all fatal collisions involve a teen, whether or not they are the driver, he said. Teens only make up four percent of the driving population.

“This program has adapted over the years from bringing attention to the impaired driver, to being a program that encompasses not only drunk driving but distracted driving as well as simply poor driving,” Lutz said.

Along with the California Highway Patrol, the City of Santa Clarita, the William S. Hart Union High School District and West Ranch High School, the Los Angeles County Fire Department, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital, American Medical Response, Eternal Valley Mortuary, the Hyatt Regency Valencia, and many other community partners and affiliates participate in the simulation.

The Every 15 Minutes program is funded by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

 

Comment On This Story
COMMENT POLICY: We welcome comments from individuals and businesses. All comments are moderated. Comments are subject to rejection if they are vulgar, combative, or in poor taste.
REAL NAMES ONLY: All posters must use their real individual or business name. This applies equally to Twitter account holders who use a nickname.

26 Comments

  1. I am proud to say my daughter portrayed a dead victim at Saugus High almost 10 years ago. To this day she plans ahead before she goes out and uses Uber or taxi’s . A wonderful program.

  2. Nina Selkirk Nina Selkirk says:

    I was apart of one 12 years ago at Vasquez and it was a great experience. This is a great program and I know this would benefit a lot of teens and schools!!

  3. This program is great. I still have my every 15 minutes t shirt from 2005. Definitely something to keep on doing for years to keep coming.

  4. Nicole Carr Nicole Carr says:

    I participated in this program about 15 years ago and still remember it vividly. It’s important that this topic is discussed and in this case, acted out to make it real. Some teenagers (and adults) believe they are invincible. When they see their friends “die” and not return to class the rest of the day, it’s eerie.

  5. Great message, but 90% of the high school kids I’ve talked to say it was more funny than anything else. It’s pretty silly, with the costumes and cheesy fake blood etc. I guess if one kid gets the message – it’s worth it. But still pretty dorky.

  6. Great message, but 90% of the high school kids I’ve talked to say it was more funny than anything else. It’s pretty silly, with the costumes and cheesy fake blood etc. I guess if one kid gets the message – it’s worth it. But still pretty dorky.

    • You’re talking to kids who will most likely be the ones to get duis in their future because they lack morals. go observe any class going through this and see all the crying eyes. Kids who think this is something to laugh about should have to be the ones zipped up in body bags during the demonstration or spending the night in jail and going to court the next morning finding out they killed someone and getting charged. Do you by chance have a dui? I wouldn’t be surprised if you did.

  7. It is a great program! Anyone who disagrees is ignorant and just really lacks morals and understanding. I never drink and drive and I remember very vividly that whole experience. If it can impact the majority of kids, that is great.

    • Wonder what life with you is like. If anyone disagrees with you, they’re ignorant and lack morals and understanding?? Pull it down a notch. Also, you kinda stated what I already said. If it could impact the majority of kids, that’s great. But it doesn’t seem to be doing that. So it’s not so great. I honestly feel it’s a dramatic band aid approach. Sorry to disagree with you. I know how you hate that.

    • I didn’t direct my statement at anyone, you obviously feel attacked. And I can handle people disagreeing with me, seems as if you may need to work on that though. And I know first hand through my own classes experience and family members who have participated as well that this is an impact full program. It’s the ignorant kids who are “too cool” who laugh about these experiences that are the ones to worry about on our roads. If those are the kids you’ve been talking too, sounds like they need better role model adults with morals in their lives

    • Hmmmm…..kinda just reversed everything I said and ignored your own words. In any case, good luck with those “adults with morals”.

    • Whatever man, don’t have time for your uneducated outlook on this subject. They probably didn’t have this program in your day so you’ve never personally experienced it.

  8. Mike Weaver Mike Weaver says:

    We had the real deal just yesterday at woodley and San Fernando mission, a young teen on a bike lost his life

  9. Jessi Rosen Jessi Rosen says:

    This program is amazing. I think that they should let the whole school see it not just juniors and seniors.

  10. Bryan Pievac Bryan Pievac says:

    If anything they should be doing this more for adults, not teenagers
    Just last night I was almost hit by a drunk driver swerving on the freeway.
    At least the guy pulled to the shoulder and stopped after almost hitting me

  11. The irony of seeing people participate in this, then see them getting wasted on the weekend and even a couple of them driving. It really works!

  12. I remember this in canyong high ..

  13. María Eso si me da miedo la santa muerte claro q así nos vamosa convertir ahí q miedo

  14. Misty Funicello and Marie Barrett is that Alec

  15. Shawna Lemke Shawna Lemke says:

    My oldest daughters boyfriend played a dead victim in 2012 @ Saugus HS. Although they went to different schools it was hard on her that day. Not being able to talk to him. My youngest is a junior at WR & she said it was pretty emotional today. She is not looking forward to the assembly tomorrow. She said she’ll have to bring a box of tissues. This is a phenomenal program. It really makes the kiddos stop & think.

  16. Stella Macey says:

    People care enough to give their time, and share their painful memories with others to remind them to take driving seriously. They don’t want anyone to suffer the consequences. The message is getting through to some, so keep up the good work and pray for those who take it lightly.

Leave a Comment


LOCAL SCHOOL LINKS
Related Content
LATEST SCHOOL NEWS
Thursday, Mar 28, 2024
PFLAG Santa Clarita has announced the establishment of the Peggy and Jeff Stabile PFLAG SCV Scholarship. The scholarship will provide financial assistance to LGBTQIA+ students pursuing higher education and committed to advocating for LGBTQIA+ rights and promoting diversity and inclusion.
Wednesday, Mar 27, 2024
California State Assemblywoman Pilar Schiavo (D-Chatsworth) and Assemblyman James Ramos (D-Highland) have introduced AB 3074 the "School or athletic team names: California Racial Mascots Act."
Wednesday, Mar 27, 2024
California State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond hosted a Personal Finance Summit today where he announced his support for Assembly Bill 2927 (McCarty), legislation that would require a personal finance education course for California high school graduation.
Monday, Mar 25, 2024
The regular meeting of the Saugus Union School District Governing Board will take place Tuesday, March 26, with closed session beginning at 5:30 p.m., followed immediately by public session at 6:30 p.m.
Friday, Mar 22, 2024
The regular meeting of the William S. Hart Union High School District’s Governing Board will be held Wednesday, March 27, beginning with closed session at 5:30 p.m., followed immediately by open session at 7 p.m.

Latest Additions to SCVNews.com
1928 - Little dam victim, thought unidentified & buried in SCV, actually ID'd & buried in Chatsworth [story]
Newhall Cowboys
Los Angeles County Public Works is updating the Los Angeles County Bicycle Master Plan.
April 16:  County Bicycle Master Plan Virtual Community Meeting
College of the Canyons mens golf got back on track during its return to conference play on Monday, carding a five-man score of 370 to top the eight-team field at Brookside Golf Course and maintain its unblemished conference mark.
Cougars Win Again, Keep Conference Streak
Los Angeles County Treasurer and Tax Collector, reminds property owners that the second installment of the 2023-24 Annual Secured Property Taxes becomes  delinquent if not received by 5 p.m. Pacific Time or United States Postal Service postmarked on or before Wednesday, April 10, 2024.
County Treasurer Reminds Property Owners of April 10 Due Date
Local nonprofit Fostering Youth Independence is seeking “Allies” to support Santa Clarita youth who are aging out of the L.A. County foster care system.
April 16: FYI Seeks Volunteers To Pair With Local Foster Youth
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health today unveiled the latest L.A. County Health Survey, which gathers vital data on health behaviors, conditions, neighborhood settings, and the needs of L.A .County residents, informing future public health policies and programs.
Public Health Unveils the 2023 L.A. County Health Survey Findings
Due to the projected rain forecast, Eggstravaganza will now be held indoors at the Canyon Country Community Center beginning promptly at 10 a.m. on March 30.
March 30: Eggstravaganza Now Being Held Indoors at Canyon Country Community Center
To support the mental health of California's young people, the California Department of Public Health awarded $25 million to 28 tribal and community-based organizations across the state.
California Announces $25 Million in Awards for Youth Mental Health
The College of the Canyons Athletic Department will host a dedication ceremony to unveil the Michele Jenkins Softball Team Room in honor of the longtime board member and ardent softball program supporter’s nearly 40 years of service to the district.
April 16: COC to Host Michele Jenkins Team Room Dedication Ceremony
PFLAG Santa Clarita has announced the establishment of the Peggy and Jeff Stabile PFLAG SCV Scholarship. The scholarship will provide financial assistance to LGBTQIA+ students pursuing higher education and committed to advocating for LGBTQIA+ rights and promoting diversity and inclusion.
PFLAG SCV Announces Stabile PFLAG Scholarship
1934 - Bouquet Canyon Reservoir, replacement for ill-fated St. Francis Dam & reservoir, begins to fill with water [story]
Bouquet Reservoir
The California Department of Public Health launched the “Never a Bother” campaign, a youth suicide prevention public awareness and outreach campaign for youth, young adults, and their parents, caregivers, and allies.
California Launches New Youth Suicide Prevention Campaign
The Santa Clarita Master Chorale invites the community to "Let the Sunshine In," a delightful evening of food, wine and song at the annual Cabaret & Cabernet fundraising benefit.
April 20: Santa Clarita Master Chorale’s Cabaret, Cabernet Fundraiser
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health cautions residents who are planning to visit the below Los Angeles County beaches to avoid swimming, surfing, and playing in ocean waters:
March 27 Ocean Water Warning
As an integral ingredient necessary to help the Santa Clarita Valley to flourish, feedback from the business community is the secret sauce for achieving great things.
SCVEDC Asks For the Business Community’s Opinion on Santa Clarita
Raise your heart rate while raising funds for the Santa Clarita Sister Cities Dollars-for-Desks campaign to provide school desks for students in Sariaya, Santa Clarita's Sister City in the Philippines.
April 13: Sister Cities Zumba-thon Fundraiser
Remo, Inc. is is the world's leading manufacturer and developer of synthetic drumheads and shells. They’ve been in business for 60 years
SCVEDC Company Spotlight: Drumming Up Big Business with Remo, Inc.
California State Assemblywoman Pilar Schiavo (D-Chatsworth) and Assemblyman James Ramos (D-Highland) have introduced AB 3074 the "School or athletic team names: California Racial Mascots Act."
Schiavo Introduces Bill to Prohibit ‘Derogatory’ School Mascot Names
Los Angeles County’s Justice, Care and Opportunities Department  in collaboration with Local Initiatives Support Corporation Los Angeles is proud to announce the 2nd Annual Pitch Competition for the cohorts of JCOD's Incubation Academy.
March 28: JCOD Incubation Academy Helps Grassroots Non-Profits For the Second Year
Children’s Bureau is seeking foster families and now offers two virtual ways for individuals and/or couples to learn how to help children in foster care while reunifying with birth families or how to provide legal permanency by adoption.
April 18: Children’s Bureau Hosts Virtual Orientation
The Sunburst track was constructed in 1887 by the Southern Pacific Railroad and was a part of the main line running between San Francisco and Los Angeles.
Enjoy Spring With a Ride On The Sunburst Track
California State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond hosted a Personal Finance Summit today where he announced his support for Assembly Bill 2927 (McCarty), legislation that would require a personal finance education course for California high school graduation.
State Superintendent Announces Support for Personal Finance Graduation Requirement
1847 - Probable birth date of Pico Canyon oil driller Charles Alexander Mentry [story]
C.A. Mentry
SCVNews.com