Prom and Graduation time are arguably the most exciting time of year for students and their families. Wonderful memories from these two high school events can produce a lifetime of fond memories.
Sadly, this time of year can also end in tragedy due to a greater incident of teen traffic crashes.
Impaired and distracted driving can be a deadly part of Prom and Graduation season, groups like the American Automobile Association and the Ohio State Highway Patrol warn annually.
It’s a fact not lost on Bethel-Tate High School SRO/Deputy Randy McElfresh. For 28 years, SRO/Deputy McElfresh worked for the Ohio State Highway Patrol. Early last year he retired. He now serves as a SRO/Deputy with the Clermont County Sheriff’s Office.
“The upcoming time period, Prom then Graduation, is the most dangerous time of year for students,” he said.
To help impress upon BTHS students the dangers of bad choices such as distracted driving, speed, and driving under the influence, Deputy/SRO McElfresh is organizing a mock crash.
In partnership with the BTHS administrative team, Bethel Fire Department, a local wrecker company, and a few BTHS students, a realistic car crash scenario will be presented to juniors and seniors, he said. Weather permitting, a medical helicopter will be involved.
The event is scheduled for Friday morning, May 5.
“This date is important as Prom is later that evening,” SRO/Deputy McElfresh said. “All involved in creating the realistic scenario will come together and put on the mock crash so that our students will have an understanding of the ramifications for making poor decisions.
“Many area school districts and their partners direct numerous educational activities at Prom. While Prom is important, the school has also agreed for me to have some time with the juniors and seniors as we near graduation.”
The hope is that students are aware of the risks and, as a result of this awareness, make good, safe, informed decisions over the next few months and for the rest of their hopefully long lives, he added.
“We are grateful to have someone with Deputy McElfresh’s experience here at Bethel-Tate High School. Student safety is our number one priority and we are fortunate to have him championing this event for our students,” BTHS Principal George Sturgeon said.