Williamson County Traffic Safety Days is a transformative opportunity for students to learn the dangers and risks that come with driving. Ninety-seven Harrisburg students enrolled in Driver’s Education attended the Traffic Safety days Sept. 19.

Students were educated on multiple driving topics and were taught life-saving information. EMTs demonstrated to students how emergency services respond to wrecks and how they determine what caused a wreck, such as underage drinking or texting and driving.

“Especially on the eve of a tragic accident in a local county, some of our kids knew those students who lost their lives. They got to see the EMTs perform what those kids actually went through that just lost their lives,” said driver’s ed instructor Richard Dwyer. “It’s definitely a teachable moment.”

Hands-on activities that students participated in included two simulation rides. One ride simulated a crash at seven mph and another simulated drunk driving with carts and alcohol impairment goggles. Students were also able to sit in tractors and combine harvesters to see the lack of sight from the vehicles.

“They’re always amazed that the combine does not have a rear window,” said Dwyer.

The Operation Lifesaver Program and Illinois State Police Program were two of the programs participating in the event. Operation Lifesaver teaches students how to prevent accidents around railroads and general train safety. Illinois State Police demonstrate how to respond when pulled over and share information on police motorcycles.

“The State Police motorcycle displayed was cool,” said sophomore Troy Murphey. “It was a very informative event.”

More than 1,000 students from Southern Illinois schools attended the annually-held event. Harrisburg students have been attending the Traffic Safety Days events for around 10 years.

“Even if it saves one life, it’s worth the trip,” said Dwyer.