Greater Lawrence Technical School Hosts Driving Safety Program for Junior Students in Partnership with In Control Crash Prevention

ANDOVER — Greater Lawrence Technical School (GLTS) proudly partnered with In Control Crash Prevention on June 10 and 12 to offer a dynamic, hands-on driving safety experience for junior students during their shop week.

The grant-funded educational program gave students and staff the opportunity to witness and experience the dangers of speeding, impaired and distracted driving, and failing to wear seat belts — all from the safety of a controlled environment.

Over the course of the two days, students observed and rode as passengers alongside trained instructors in real vehicles, observing firsthand the challenges and consequences of dangerous driving behaviors. The 10-12-minute sessions provided a powerful and memorable learning experience that emphasized safe decision-making behind the wheel.

To view short video clips from the event, click here and here.

“This event gave our students a truly eye-opening perspective on how quickly things can go wrong on the road,” said GLTS Principal Chet Jackson. “We are grateful to In Control and their team for making safety accessible and relatable for our students.”

For many students, the experience was both impactful and personal.

“It was fun but eye-opening to experience something like this firsthand,” said Finley Hurley, an 11th-grade Auto Tech student. “I have fortunately never been in an accident. I’ve always worn my seatbelt, but now it’s an extra reminder to wear it all the time.”

In Control Crash Prevention is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and the nation’s first state-certified crash prevention training provider. Adapted from law enforcement and European driving instruction, their closed-course training has helped shape safer driving behaviors in communities across New England. To date, they have trained over 40,000 students, with third-party studies showing a 70% reduction in crashes among graduates of the program.

In addition to the on-site safety demonstrations at high schools, In Control also offers free programming for students who have their driver’s license or learner’s permit, allowing them to actually drive the vehicles and gain firsthand experience in crash prevention techniques. Interested families can learn more or register by visiting: www.driveincontrol.org/new-drivers.

The initiative at GLTS was coordinated by Assistant Superintendent Brenda Richardson and In Control’s Executive Director, Dan Strollo, who continues to lead the organization’s mission of reducing preventable crashes and saving lives through education and community outreach.

GLTS extends sincere thanks to In Control for their dedication to youth safety and to the students and staff who participated in this meaningful event.