An interactive road safety presentation on Thursday captivated more than 120 years students (in Years eight to 12) at Cayman International School.

Mrs Suzy Soto, the grandmother of Zack Quappe who died in a road accident in 2013, led the session and shared the experience of her family’s loss.

She was accompanied by Charles Gilman of the Streetskill Committee and Government Information Services who spoke to young people in depth about the importance of road safety.

To increase awareness of the dangers of drunk driving the session also provided an opportunity for youth to navigate an obstacle course while wearing Fatal Vision goggles. (These are glasses which distort a person’s sight in a manner that mimics the effects of alcohol.)

Young people also watched the documentary “Road Impact: Cayman Islands”, which was produced by Cayman 27 television station, in partnership with the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service.

The film features interviews with survivors and family members of persons who lost their lives in traffic incidents, as well as medical professionals and first responders.

“I want to save the youth of our Islands. I want them to realize that one small choice, one mistake, can lead to tragedy. They won’t know what happened, but everyone they leave behind suffers,” Mrs Soto told the audience.

Meanwhile Mr. Gilman discussed the negative impacts of alcohol, as well as the dangers of drinking and driving, speeding and driving while distracted – including cellphone use.

Expressing the hope that their message would leave a lasting impact on the youth, he remarked: “To prevent teen fatalities the most valuable thing we can do is to tell them about the realities of what happens if they drive irresponsibly. We believe that this simple presentation has the potential to influence their decisions, and one day prevent them from engaging in destructive behaviour.”

Interested persons can watch “Road Impact: Cayman Islands” online at:
http://www.youthforroadsafety.org/activities/news/news_item/t/road_impact_cayman_islands_a_documentary_on_road_safety
.