Southside middle school hosted an activity to demonstrate the dangers of alcohol and drug use among teens.
With summer right around the corner, teachers are pushing to make sure kids stay safe and make smart choices when getting into a vehicle.
“When I was in high school, just a little older than these kids, three of my friends were killed in a drunk driving accident. They were not drinking, but the guy who hit them was,” said teacher Stacy Magee.
Teachers are sharing their stories and speaking out about the dangers.
“My uncle was riding a scooter going home and a drunk driver hit him. All of that destroyed his left leg, and he had to get it amputated,” said student intervention specialist Michael L. McCants.
Anything from drunk driving, drug abuse or texting and driving can destroy families and even yourself.
“It was awful. It really makes you think about your action and what you do and how it hurts others,” said Magee.
With the program, teachers want to spread a message no only for kids, but for adults.
“You need to be smart, think, and do what you know is right,” said Magee.
“You want to make a decision that will produce results that you’ll be proud of down the road and not things that you have to live through and regret,” said McCants.
The ‘Ghost Out’ event has been a tradition for more than 25 years, and this is just a reminder of what can happen.
“I know it’s a popular thing to do but I just really want them to think and to know that life is not always guaranteed for somebody because of decisions that they make,” said teacher Michelle Hayes.
Officials said there have been nearly 20 DUI crashes for the City of Florence so far this year.
