Riverside, Ca- The Riverside Police Department in conjunction with the California Office of Traffic Safety and La Sierra High School will present an “Every 15 Minutes” program on March 30 and 31, 2005 from 9:45 am – 11:30 am. The program will be held at La Sierra High School located at 4145 La Sierra Ave in Riverside. This two-day program involves a simulated fatal traffic collision with a DUI driver and the aftermath of the 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, the choice to drink and drive rests with those who accept the privilege and responsibility of driving in the state of California.

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
• Kaiser Hospital
• Riverside County Coroner’s Office

Students at La Sierra 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 or drugs. On March 31, 2005 an assembly will be held at La Sierra High School at which time the “dead” students will be reunited with their parents. The senior class will attend this assembly where a video of the previous days activities will be shown as well as several guest speakers.

Every 15 Minutes…The Choice Is Yours

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Members of the press are invited to attend the program. Please contact Karen Haverkamp by March 29, 2005 if you wish to attend any of the retreat activities or if you have any questions.