April 7 - 13, 2017
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‘Operation Drive to Live’ State Highway Patrol kicks off annual campaign to increase teen driver safety by JONATHAN WILLIAMS NORTHWEST GUILFORD – On Monday, April 3, the State Highway Patrol kicked off its annual “Drive to Live” campaign on the campus of Northwest High School. The campaign’s mission is to reduce the number of teen-related traffic collisions and deaths across North Carolina using both active and educational components to ensure students comprehend the dangers of distracted
driving and to encourage them to make smart choices when behind the wheel.
comments with the students, faculty and parents who were in attendance.
Although the annual campaign traditionally kicks off in Raleigh, SHP Master Trooper Chris Knox, who was in charge of organizing the event, convinced his agency to have it hosted in the Triad this year. Knox gave the opening remarks and Capt. Chuck Slemenda of the SHP, Kimberly Fields, substance abuse counselor for Guilford County Schools, Quintin Trent, director of security and school safety for Guilford County Schools, and Bobby Bulla, program director for VIP for a VIP (Vehicle Injury Prevention for a Very Important Person) also shared
“We are dedicated to make sure our students stay safe,” Trent said. “We recognize students make decisions that go beyond academics. Students can make positive decisions when they say yes to making the right decisions.” The Operation Drive to Live campaign will be most visible at schools across the state throughout the week of April 3-7, when an increased number of troopers will be present in school zones to enforce all traffic laws from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. The campaign also entails traffic safety education programs in the classroom at high schools until the end of the school year. This week of increased presence and education falls on the advent of spring break, proms and, within the next several weeks, high school graduations. Last year the SHP investigated over 57,359 motor vehicle collisions with drivers and passengers between the ages of 15 to 19 years old. From those collisions, 10,774 injuries were reported and 118 resulted in one or more fatalities.
Master Trooper Chris Knox talks with Northwest High students about the “Operation Drive to Live” campaign.
Photo by Jonathan Williams/NWO |
“My takeaway from the speakers was to always wear your seatbelt and inform my friends about the dangers of distracted driving,” freshman Christa Simaan said after the kickoff presentation on April 3. “Though I’m not at the point of driving yet, it’s important to keep thinking about the consequences of driving
decisions beforehand.” The consequences of distracted driving were personally felt during Bobby Bulla’s testimony. In 2015, Bulla lost his 18-year-old son, Chase Bulla, in a twovehicle crash. “I want to caution all teens in North Carolina. Slow down in that vehicle,” Bulla told the students. “Put your seat belts on. Tell your parents or guardians that you love them. Be smart and make the right choices; you’re not invincible.”
IN THIS ISSUE News in Brief ..................................2 Your Questions ..............................4 Pets & Critters ................................7 Upcoming canine events ............8 Pet Adoptions .............................10 Historic marker ceremony ......... 11 Youth Sync .................................12 Student Profiles ...........................12 Youth/School News ....................14 ‘Tater’ planting ............................18 Business Notes ............................20 Bits & Pieces ................................20 Community Calendar ................22 Letters/Opinions .........................24 Grins & Gripes .............................25 Crime/Incident Report ...............26 Classifieds ...................................27 Index of Advertisers ...................31