On Tuesday, March 26, 2024, Johnston County Public Schools (JCPS) presented a mock car crash at Clayton High as part of the S.A.F.E. Mock Car Crash Program. This year the school district will conduct a total of four mock car crashes, with Clayton High kicking off the program.
The purpose of the events is to educate students on making sound decisions and the potential risks of operating vehicles as teen drivers. S.A.F.E. stands for slow down, avoid drugs and alcohol, fasten seatbelts, and electronics can wait. The events will provide visually impactful messaging to the students ahead of prom, graduation, and summer travel.
“As the Director of Athletics and Driver Education, the groups and school system coming together to share this message speaks volumes to how much we care about students, “ said Josh Plisko, JCPS Director of Athletics and Driver Education.
This educational visual program is a large collaborative effort between state and local organizations. The groups involved in these events include the Governor's Highway Safety Program, NC State Highway Patrol, Johnston County Emergency Services, Johnston County Fire Departments, Johnston County EMS, student volunteers, JoCo Teen Drivers Club, drama club members, principals and district staff.
Leading up to the event, the NC State Highway Patrol has provided schools with 4 short PSA videos to be played to all students. This educational visual program will take place on each school’s campus, and will include students acting out a prom crash scene, and emergency personnel assessing the scene and being actively involved in the program.
“The S.A.F.E program is a great initiative that I believe every student, parent, and teacher should be sharing with young citizens to aid them in continuing to evaluate small daily decisions that can have big impacts on their and their family’s lives,” Plisko remarked.
The remaining schedule of events are as follows:
April 16th, 8:45 AM - Princeton Middle High School bus parking lot
April 17th, 8:45 AM - West Johnston High School football stadium
April 24th, 8:45 AM - Cleveland High School football stadium
View last year’s video HERE.