YOUNGSTOWN Program educates on crash results

The program is not usually open to the public.
By WILLIAM K. ALCORN
VINDICATOR HEALTH REPORTER
YOUNGSTOWN -- Reality Checkpoint, a program aimed at showing teens and their parents, in graphic detail, the results of traffic crashes, is to be presented from 5:45 to 9 p.m. Monday in St. Elizabeth Health Center's Finnegan Auditorium.
The program, free and open to the public, is sponsored by Mahoning Safe Communities, a coalition of safety-oriented organizations, and the Mahoning County Health Department's Health Promotion and Assessment Unit. The program is funded with a grant from the Governor's Highway Safety Office.
Not open: The presentation was developed by area juvenile diversion programs and is usually not open to the public.
"We are very grateful to the diversion programs for allowing this to be a community project," said Jane Warga, director of the promotion and assessment unit.
The program is a great opportunity to see the consequences of poor decision-making in driving, and that alcohol and speed kills, Warga said.
One of the major goals is to encourage more teens to use seat belts, Tracy Styka, Mahoning County community health education specialist, said.
The county health department is promoting a seat belt usage campaign through May in preparation for proms and other activities.
Teens in this area buckle up about 59 percent of the time, compared with a state average of 65.3 percent, making Mahoning County the eighth-worst county in the state, Styka said.
"Our hope is that young people will improve their driving habits during the seat belt campaign and make them lifetime habits," she said.
Impressed: Connie Lancaster and her son, Nick Opritza, a junior at South Range High School, attended the program last November.
Lancaster said she was "very impressed," particularly when the presenter related when and where accidents happened and who was involved. The fact that they involved local people made an impact, she said.
Lancaster said she believes the program was beneficial for her son. Afterward, he told her he would never drink and drive, she said.
Highlights: Those interested in attending the program or obtaining more information should call (330) 270-2855 extension 132.
Speakers and presentations will include:
ULt. Brian Girts, Ohio State Highway Patrol, Canfield Barracks, who will discuss driving under the influence and crashes, accompanied by slides compiled by OSHP Trooper Mike Landers.
UAtty. Richard White, magistrate, Mahoning County Juvenile Court, who will discuss the legal aspects for child and parent, and decision-making.
UBrenda Bell, registered nurse, will talk about what happens in the hospital trauma unit and the quiet room, where the family sits and waits to hear about their loved one.
UVideo: "Others Died."
UGuest speaker: A parent who lost a child in a traffic crash.
alcorn@vindy.com