Sheriff’s Office Teaches Dangers of Impaired & Distracted Driving

/ NPJ

Sheriff’s Office Teaches Dangers of Impaired & Distracted Driving

On April 21, 2023 Red River Parish Sheriff’s Office school resource officers Sgt. Michael Longino, Deputy Rodrick Johnson, and Deputy Travious Johnson visited high school students at Riverdale Academy. In advance of Riverdale’s upcoming prom and graduation, the deputies used impairment goggles to help educate the teenagers on the dangers of impaired and distracted driving. Deputies also discussed laws related to operating watercraft or a motor vehicle while impaired.

The teens were asked to complete simple tasks such as walking a straight line, catching a ball then tossing it back to the deputy, and shooting a basketball. The results clearly showed that vision, reaction times, and the ability to successfully complete the tasks were all significantly affected by the drug and alcohol impairment goggles.

When put into the context of driving a vehicle, teens were shown in a fun yet educational way how impaired driving and distractions are potentially dangerous and could lead to a serious accident.

A similar presentation will be made at Red River High School after testing and prior to graduation.

With prom and graduation dates for area schools quickly approaching, Red River Parish Sheriff Glen Edwards would also like to provide a few safety tips to students and parents.

  • Talk to your child about the importance of abstaining from alcohol until they are of the legal age of 21.
  • Remind your teenagers about the dangers of drinking and driving.
  • Instruct your teenager on what to do if they suspect their driver is under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
  • As traffic death rates are almost 3 times higher at night than during the day, take extra precaution while driving at night and always buckle up.
  • Put down the cellphone! Texting while driving significantly increases the likelihood of an accident compared to driving without distractions.
  • If you allow your teenager to stay out later than normal during these special events, discuss how fatigue can also cause accidents.
  • Discuss the importance of concentration behind the wheel as teenage passengers can be distracting to the driver.
  • Before your child leaves home, make sure you know their travel plans for the night.
  • Keep the lines of communication open with your child when it comes to talking about underage drinking and distracted driving.