Contact: media@bannerhealth.com

With so many recent fatal accidents in the Valley involving wrong-way driving, distracted driving and DUIs, a local Banner Health program aims to raise awareness for safety among high school students.

Media is invited to a highly visual, hands-on safety program from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Thursday at North High School, 1101 E. Thomas Road, Phoenix.

Students will learn about the major risks of driving while distracted or while under the influence of mind-altering substances. They’ll also learn the importance of wearing seat belts. (These mock exercises involve walking on a specially designed map, not actually driving.)

Opportunities for great visuals and interviews include:

• Texting and driving - Students will try to “drive” using a steering wheel while texting, and then perform the activity again without distractions.

• Marijuana goggles and alcohol goggles – Students will try to “drive” with and without goggles that simulate effects of marijuana and alcohol

• Distraction game that is timed and performed with and without goggles.

Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for U.S. teens. According to the CDC, a total of 2,333 teens in the U.S. were killed in 2015.

Students and a Banner Health safety expert will be available for interviews. If you’d like to attend, please let us know in advance so we can make arrangements with security.