Rude Awakening Program Keeps Students Safe On The Road

Although many Ranney Upper School juniors are anxiously awaiting the day they will get their driver’s license, most of them will be unaware of the inherent dangers that can come from driving while impaired. Thanks to the concerted efforts of members of the Tinton Falls police department, guest speakers and the Ranney community, they had an opportunity to learn and experience firsthand some of the devastating consequences of driving under the influence at this year’s ‘Rude Awakening’ program.

Sponsored by THINK, Ranney’s student organization, and co-chaired by faculty advisors Linda Abrams and Nicole Martone, Rude Awakening provides students with a clear and somber message about the dangers of driving while impaired.

Officer Danny Marks was one of several Tinton Falls officers on hand to address the effects of driving under the influence. The day long program began with students donning DWI Fatal Vision goggles that simulate impairment- allowing them to experience what driving drunk really feels like. Through a variety of hands-on applications, students also participated in a basketball toss, along with driving a golf-cart through a coned-off course. Said Officer Marks, “Most high school students never think about what could happen while driving under the influence. Through these different simulations, they learn how their reaction times and perception can be distorted and the effects they can produce.”

Throughout the day, students also heard from a wide variety of speakers who spoke on the dangers of driving while impaired. Representatives from law enforcement, health care, along with N.J. Sen. Sean Kean and a surviving parent of a child killed by a drunk driver, were on hand to bring the message home that drinking and driving simply do not mix.

Our sincere appreciation to the Tinton Falls Police Department and all the guest speakers who devoted their time on May 13 to help keep our students safe and sound on the road.

For additional information on all Ranney School news, please contact the Communications Department at communications@ranneyschool.org.