Illinois high school hopes mock funeral scares students straight

By Staff Writer

In an effort to combat unsafe driving habits among teens, a Illinois-based high school held a mock funeral last week.

According to The Daily Republican, the school displayed two caskets, flowers and pictures of two real-life seniors at the school, who, according to a fictitious story, were killed after being struck by a distracted teen driver. The event was organized the school's LifeSavers group, which recently held Operation Teen Safe Driving Week.

An Illinois state trooper addressed the student body during the mock funeral, saying that over half of the traffic deaths within the local district were alcohol related. In addition, a reverend reminded teens how quickly life can end if drivers are distracted. Aside from drinking and driving, the week-long event focused on other unhealthy behaviors behind the wheel, such as texting, socializing and not wearing seat belts, according to the news provider.

The media outlet reported that several other events were held throughout the week, including experiences with drunk-driving goggles, school-wide seat belt checks and speakers from a local victims impact group.

Adolescents who are unsafe drivers may benefit from boarding schools, which aim to provide an educational environment that is conducive to positive decision-making.