Times Observer photo by Delaney Chase Local law enforcement teaches WAHS students about impaired and distracted driving laws

With prom season approaching, officials gathered Thursday at Warren Area High School to teach students that the choices they make behind the wheel can have life-or-death consequences.

The program, titled “Choose Your Ride,” was led by representatives from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), Pennsylvania State Police, the Highway Safety Network and Warren County emergency services. Designed for juniors and seniors, the event combined hands-on activities with emotional, real-life stories to highlight the dangers of impaired and distracted driving.

Throughout the morning, students rotated between interactive stations, including distracted and impaired driving simulators, as well as tours of a hearse, EmergyCare vehicle and police cruiser. Local law enforcement also administered field sobriety-style tests, giving students a firsthand look at how impairment affects coordination and judgment.

Saxon Daugherty, PennDOT District 1 Safety Press Officer, said the timing of the event was intentional.

“We want them to have fun in the safest way possible,” Daugherty said, noting the program was scheduled just before prom season. “The number one killer of teens is car crashes. This is something they should be thinking about every time they get into a car.”

Daugherty emphasized that the program’s lessons go beyond teenagers.

“These are simple reminders, but they’re important for everyone to hear,” he said. “If this event helps even a few students make better decisions, we can limit crashes and save lives.”

Students heard from the Warren County coroner, state police and emergency responders, as well as participated in a presentation by Daugherty focused on real-life examples and issues such as speeding, seatbelt use, peer pressure, and the consequences of reckless decisions.

For many students, those stories left a lasting impression.

“We learned that even simple things like putting on lip gloss or drinking a latte can be deadly,” said junior Madison Snell, who believed hearing real stories had made an impact.

Snell said the experience will change how she behaves behind the wheel.

“I’ll definitely pay more attention when I’m driving,” she said.

Fellow junior Kelsi Silves, who has not yet earned her driver’s license, said the program helped shape her understanding of responsibility before she even gets behind the wheel.

“It taught me how I should act when I do start driving,” Silves said.

Silves also said she learned that it’s always okay to call your parents if you feel unsafe. “There’s always another way to get home,” she said.

Both students noted that while programs like this are valuable, the challenge is carrying those lessons into real-life situations.

“People sometimes forget what they learn once they’re actually in the car,” Silves said. “They act differently behind the wheel.”

Organizers hope that by combining education with emotional impact, students will leave with safer habits and a deeper understanding of the risks.

“We’re hoping they walk away with better driving behaviors,” Daugherty said.