WEST COVINA, CA / ACCESS Newswire / March 10, 2025 / West Covina High School recently participated in the California Highway Patrol's (CHP) Every 15 Minutes Program, a two-day immersive experience designed to educate students about the real-life consequences of impaired and distracted driving. This well-planned, staged incident was a powerful and emotional lesson for junior and senior students, reinforcing the importance of responsible decision-making behind the wheel.
The Every 15 Minutes Program included a dramatic simulation of a fatal car crash, complete with emergency responders, law enforcement, and student actors portraying victims, injured passengers, and impaired drivers. Throughout the event, students also experienced the "living dead" scenario, where peers were removed from classrooms every 15 minutes to symbolize the national statistic that every 15 minutes, someone in the United States is killed in an alcohol-related crash. The program concluded with an impactful assembly, where students and families reflected on the emotional toll of reckless driving choices.
Superintendent Dr. Emy Flores emphasized the importance of this life-saving lesson, stating: "The Every 15 Minutes Program is an unforgettable experience that deeply resonates with our students. By witnessing the devastating impact of impaired and distracted driving, we hope they will make responsible decisions that protect themselves, their peers, and our community. We are grateful for our partners who made this event possible and the parents who supported this program by participating in such an important message."
West Covina High School Principal Dr. Charles Park shared his thoughts on its significance: "This program is emotional and intense, but it delivers an essential message that can save lives. Seeing the impact it has on our students reinforces our commitment to providing them with real-world lessons that go beyond the classroom. We hope they take this experience seriously and choose to drive safely whenever they get behind the wheel."
West Covina High School extends its heartfelt gratitude to the California Highway Patrol (CHP) and its dedicated community partners, including Jan's Towing and Forest Lawn Funeral Home, for their invaluable support in making this event possible. We also thank the parents who participated in the event, adding an emotional depth to the program and reinforcing its message.
Thank you to the West Covina Police Department, West Covina Fire Department, and Coroner's Office for their crucial roles in this realistic simulation. They demonstrated the emergency response process and stressed the serious consequences of reckless driving, giving students a firsthand look at the real-life impact of impaired driving incidents.
We also thank the Deputy District Attorney and Street Racing Kills, who spoke directly to our students about the legal, emotional, and life-changing consequences of reckless driving. Their powerful testimonies provided a real-world perspective, further reinforcing the urgency of responsible decision-making behind the wheel.
By participating in Every 15 Minutes, West Covina High School remains committed to educating students about the dangers of impaired and distracted driving and equipping them with the knowledge to make life-saving choices.
About West Covina Unified School District
West Covina Unified School District is dedicated to providing students with educational opportunities that prepare them for success in life. Through strong partnerships and innovative programs, WCUSD fosters a safe and supportive learning environment where students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
Contact:
Johanna Villareal
Public Information Officer
West Covina Unified School District
Email: jvillareal@wcusd.org
Phone: (626) 939 4600
SOURCE: West Covina High School
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