Every 15 Minutes

Every 15 Minutes is a United States-based drinking and driving prevention program aimed at high school juniors and seniors. The program's name derives from the statistic that every 15 minutes, someone in the U.S. is killed in an alcohol-related traffic collision. The initiative seeks to demonstrate the real-life consequences of drinking and driving through a two-day event that involves students, schools, and local communities.

Overview

The Every 15 Minutes program is a high-impact, community-oriented event designed to deter drinking and driving by simulating the immediate and lasting effects of a fatal alcohol-related crash. On the first day, a staged car crash is presented at the participating high school, complete with emergency response from police, firefighters, and EMS. Students participating in the event are selected to represent the "living dead," with one student being removed from class every 15 minutes to symbolize the statistic. These students do not return for the rest of the day, representing the sudden loss caused by drinking and driving accidents.

The simulation includes realistic makeup to simulate injuries, a mock DUI arrest, and the involvement of a coroner to handle the "deceased." The event is designed to be as realistic as possible to create a lasting impact on students.

On the second day, an assembly is held where the consequences of the previous day's events are discussed. This often includes emotional speeches from students who participated, parents, and sometimes individuals who have been directly affected by drinking and driving accidents. The program may also include the reading of obituaries written by the parents of the "living dead" students, further emphasizing the potential finality of such incidents.

Goals and Impact

The primary goal of the Every 15 Minutes program is to create a lasting impression on high school students about the dangers and consequences of drinking and driving. By simulating the emotional and physical aftermath of a fatal accident, the program aims to encourage students to make responsible choices, particularly regarding alcohol consumption and driving.

Studies and feedback from schools that have participated in the program suggest that it has a significant impact on students' perceptions and behaviors regarding drinking and driving. Many students report a heightened awareness of the risks and express a greater intention to avoid drinking and driving in the future.

Criticism

While the Every 15 Minutes program is widely praised for its intentions and impact, it has faced criticism from some educators and psychologists who question the effectiveness of shock tactics in changing long-term behavior. Critics argue that the emotional distress caused by the program may not translate into sustained behavior change and that other approaches, such as ongoing education and positive reinforcement of safe behaviors, may be more effective.

Conclusion

The Every 15 Minutes program represents a bold and immersive approach to preventing drinking and driving among high school students. By vividly illustrating the potential consequences of alcohol-impaired driving, the program seeks to instill a sense of responsibility and encourage safer choices. Despite some criticism, the program continues to be a popular and impactful tool in the fight against drinking and driving in communities across the United States.

Every 15 Minutes Resources
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