Buckle Up to Arrive Alive Tuesday, November 08, 2011 By Sophomore Jared Proctor Deca members Jacquie Weirich and Tanya Austin gathered with Chad Burton, Penny Lorenz, and Kayle Denney after a heartwarming presentation by the Think First members. - Derek Williams Advertising Not wearing your seat belt is the most common cause of motor vehicle injury over any other traffic related injury. According to the James Madison University,  approximately 35,000 people die in motor vehicle crashes each year. About 50% of these people could be saved if they would fasten their seat belt. Local Highway Patrolman Andy Henry said, “Not wearing a seat belt occurs on a daily basis. Just last Labor Day weekend we had 11 fatalities due to not wearing a seat belt.” The Missouri Highway patrol has zero tolerance towards not being buckled up. If you’re not wearing your seat belt than you the police will pull you over. Depending on the age of the person, they could stop you directly for that, hence the phrase “click it or ticket.” On Wednesday, October 25, Cameron was fortunate to have Think First Assistant Director Penny  Lorenz come and deliver a speech about her experience with not wearing a seat belt, and how the teens should buckle up to prevent this from happening to them. In 1982, Penny and her friend were out driving without seat belts. Her friend lost control of the vehicle and they were then ejected from the crashed car. Penny, who is now confined to a wheelchair, said, “Hopefully these students don't experience what I did. Hopefully they buckle up.” Although she was talking to the students and teachers at CHS, her message is for everybody. Think First Members Chad Burton and Kayle Denney were also there to express the importance of wearing a seat belt. Chad and Kayle were both in seat belt related accidents as well. Chad’s crash happened when he fell asleep at the wheel. After his accident, his left side became paralysed. The other Think First speaker, Kayle, had an accident that paralysed her as well. Doctors said she would never walk again, but as CHS students saw Wednesday, she can. It may be with a limp, but she is mobile and can get around on her own with a cane. Opening the assembly for Penny and her friends were Deca Sponsor Stephanie Williams and DECA Seniors Jacquie Weirich and Tanya Austin, who brought the speakers in conjunction with their DECA project. They started the assembly off by explaining seat belt safety and how the assembly was going to help students and teachers. Jacquie said, “Hopefully CHS will learn that driving isn’t just fun and games, and that it’s serious and you have to be responsible.” If students receive anything from this event it should be to buckle up, not only to save your life but others as well. Your actions affect the people around you. Remember students and staff, always buckle up and arrive alive.

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