PENHOLD – About 60 students at Penhold Crossing Secondary School were set for a big driving challenge on Dec. 2.
They were tasked by members of the Innisfail RCMP, Penhold Citizens on Patrol and the Penhold Fire Department to drive on an obstacle course where they were challenged to ride on a pedal cart while wearing blood alcohol simulating visual impairment glasses.
Students also attempted to complete the course while “distracted” and texting on their phones.
It was all part annual Anti-Impaired Driving presentation at the Penhold high school.
“The event was an excellent way to showcase first hand the dangers of driving while under the influence and driving while distracted,” said Innisfail RCMP Staff Sgt. Ian Ihme, the detachment commander. “This has become an annual event hosted by the Penhold Citizens on Patrol Association.
“We are lucky to have such a strong dedicated group of community volunteers that are eager to give back to the community.”
Ihme said traffic safety and youth engagement are two of the strategic priorities for the Innisfail RCMP.
“Our hope is that the education efforts that we put in with the youth will yield positive driving habits as these students start to drive in our communities,” said Ihme. “Our main goal is to reduce the number of tragic incidents caused by impaired and distracted driving.”
