Every 15 Minutes

Riverside, Ca- The Riverside Police Department, in conjunction with the California Office of Traffic Safety and Arlington High School, will present an “Every 15 Minutes” program on March 14 and 15, 2007, from 9:50 am – 11:30 am. The program will be held at Arlington High School, 2951 Jackson St., in Riverside.

This two-day program involves a simulated fatal traffic collision with a DUI driver and the aftermath of a collision. The purpose of the program is to provide an accurate picture of an alcohol-related fatal collision, the results of that collision, and the effect of the collision from the perspective of all parties involved. Our hope is to show not only young people, but, all who drive, that the choice to drink and drive rests with those who accept the privilege and responsibility of driving in California.

On March 14, 2007, the Riverside Police Department will conduct an on-scene collision investigation with the assistance of the following agencies:

• Riverside Fire Department                      American Medical Response

• Riverside Community Hospital                Riverside County Coroner’s Office

Students at Arlington High School will be the participants in the collision, as drivers and injured passengers. The simulation will include on-scene trauma triage, DUI investigation, and hospital treatment/death. At the conclusion of the collision scene the participating students will be taken to Riverside Superior Court for the sentencing hearing of the DUI driver. Students will then begin an overnight retreat with activities designed to show the effects of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. On Thursday, March 15, 2007, an assembly will be held at Arlington High School at which time the “dead” students will be reunited with their parents. The senior class will attend this assembly where a powerful video of the previous day’s activities will be shown as well as presentations by several guest speakers.

Every 15 Minutes…The Choice Is Yours