Drive Smart Weld County

What is P.A.R.T.Y.?

For more than 10 years the DRIVE SMART Weld County coalition has been working to keep Weld County teen drivers safe. DRIVE SMART Weld County started the P.A.R.T.Y. (Prevent Alcohol and Risk Related Trauma in Youth) program in February 2001.  The program involves students in a day long session of speakers, videos, survivors, and break out sessions all designed to help teens make wise choices when it comes to getting behind the wheel.  During the 2010/2011 school year, P.A.R.T.Y. programs were presented to over 1,400 students. 

Pre and post surveys are a part of the day and, in fall of 2011, students were offered the option of completing the surveys on line.  Students who did so in the necessary time frame were eligible for an iTunes gift card.  Congratulations to the winners for the fall 2011 semester!

Wyatt Debey – Platte Valley High School

Brianna Enlow – Roosevelt High School

Zac Miller – Valley High School

What a day with the program looks like

The day begins with an introduction and a video filmed locally in Greeley, CO. about the crash that killed four high school students. The video interviews parents, shows footage of the crash, plays dispatch tapes and interviews the state patrol officer that was on the scene.

The video is followed by presentations by survivors who have either survived a crash or are survivors who have lost loved ones or were the cause of a crash that caused others to lose their lives or suffer severe injuries.

Paramedics and Firefighters involve students in a triage scenario and later demonstrate Emergency Room techniques and practice securing someone to a backboard.

Crashed vehicles graphically illustrate the difference that seat belts can make.

Part of the day is spent in break out stations where students are divided into groups and rotate between 4 stations.  One station features the Distract-A-Match game where students learn how difficult it can be to multi-task while driving.  At another station students attempt roadside sobriety tests wearing the Fatal Vision goggles that simulate impaired vision due to alcohol consumption.  The other stations feature ambulance triage and backboard practice and emergency room techniques for crash victims.  Volunteers from organizations such as State Farm Insurance play a big part in making the breakout sessions possible.

Sue Helfrich, a local Allstate insurance agent discusses the financial consequences of speeding tickets and collisions and a local driver's education instructor talks about the Graduated Driver's License requirements.

On line surveys are taken to evaluate pre and post presentation safety behaviors and intentions.