Every 15 Minutes

Riverside, Ca- The Riverside Police Department, in conjunction with the California Office of Traffic Safety and Ramona High School, will present an “Every 15 Minutes” program on March 29 and 30, 2006 from 10:00 am – 11:30 am. The program will be held at Ramona High School, 7675 Magnolia 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.

On March 29, 2006 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 Ramona 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 30, 2006, an assembly will be held at Ramona 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 presentations by several guest speakers.

Every 15 Minutes…The Choice Is Yours