Indian Creek receives distracted driving grant

WINTERSVILLE -- The Indian Creek High School Family, Career and Community Leaders of America earned funding to help teens stay focused on the road.

The student group received a $1,250 Families Acting for Community Traffic Safety grant, which was used to acquire impairment goggles to promote safe driving.

Adviser Julie Robinson said plans are underway for the FCCLA Drunk Busters Goggle Experience. The event, in collaboration with the Wintersville Police Department, will take place Friday.

The program will be held between fourth and sixth period and features students testing simulation goggles on an obstacle course.

Robinson said the activity stemmed from a survey the organization conducted last year.

"We did an assessment and surveyed about 150 students, including licensed, permitted and non-drivers and our top issue was impaired driving," Robinson said. "We used the grant money to purchase the goggles. We're going to set up obstacle courses with the goggles and kids will go through them. Then they will sign a pledge not to drink and drive."

The eyewear mimics issues such as daytime and nighttime intoxication and fatigue.

Robinson said community safety forces have been involved, such as the Ohio State Highway Patrol, which visited the school to speak about distracted driving.

Commander Robert Bodo of the Wintersville Post participated in the event held Jan. 11.

School resource officer, Deputy Matt Morgan, and the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department are expected to participate as well.

The FCCLA is holding the "Put Your Phone Down" poster contest. Students are invited to submit works to win a gift card.

Posters consisted of physical and digital designs and will be scored on a Rubric for use of color, information and presentation.

Winners earn a $25 gift card for first place, $15 for second place; and $10 for third place. Cards are for businesses including Walmart and local eateries.

Officials said the goal is to assist students with better decision-making skills about distracted driving, and a comprehensive project report must be submitted by completing the FACTS National Program Award application by March 1.

The school chapter has received FACTS grants in the past to target winter readiness and provide a driving simulator, the latter of which was in partnership with the OSHP.

The grant is part of a national FCCLA peer education program which strives to save lives through personal, vehicle and road safety.

The student organization is led by chapter President Lanie Hess, Vice President Marlee Zook, Secretary Joshlyn Roghelia and Treasurer Ethan Dyrdek. Members include Josie Barker, Aiden Brown, Corey Galitz, Brookelina Grigsby, Sophia Maxon, Xander Mazik, Ty Parrish, Kayleigh Perry and Layla Rasicci.