Children and young adults from the area were invited to attend the first-ever Summer Safety Symposium hosted by TXDOT in correlation with Atlanta ISD and Texas ACE.This young student is taking part in the drunk driver simulation. Photos by Kim Sheppard
Shawn Carter speaks to those present at the Summer Safety Symposium via an Ipad. Carter was involved in a drunk driving accident years ago and now travels the country telling his story and the dangers of even riding with a drunk driver.
TxDOT holds safe driving event for teens
Texas ACE and Atlanta ISD partnered with TXDOT to host the first-ever Summer Safety Symposium on June 12.
This event was open to the public as teens, pre-teens, and adults were invited to attend the safety sessions in the auditorium free of charge.
Although the event was open to any age group, organizers say the program was geared toward young drivers ages 15 to 18.
There was discussion about the consequences of driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs and Shawn Carter shared his story with students.
Carter was in a terrible accident in 2005 that left him unable to talk or walk. He was a passenger in a truck driven by a drunk driver who lost control of the vehicle they were riding in.
His desire is to make sure no one, especially young adults, makes the same mistake he did 19 years ago.
There were several activities to ensure that teens are prepared for whatever situation they come across while on the road such as drunk driving simulators, seat belt safety and the local fire department using the jaws of life on a mock car crash vehicle.
Other presentations were given by Watch Ur Back and local DPS officers.
Outside interactive displays were provided by the agencies: M.A.D.D, NextStep, Teens in the Driver Seat - Pledge Banner, AgriLife Ext for Cass County, Watch Ur Back, LifeNet, Atlanta Fire Department - Jaws of Life Demo, Atlanta Police Department and TxDOT.