LAKE COUNTY? Team DUI will host an event this evening beginning at 6:30 p.m. at Austin Park in Clearlake. A candlelight vigil will provide a time for healing and remembrance in honor of those lost to incidents related to driving under the influence (DUI).
The event marks the 20th anniversary of a tragic crash that resulted in the death of three Lower Lake High School students/athletes. Thoughts and reflection will be shared by educators who witnessed the affect that the tragedy had on the LLHS student body in 1989. Konocti Superintendent Dr. Bill MacDougall, who was vice principal of the school at the time of the incident, will speak as will teacher Kris Tyner, who also witnessed the aftermath.
“This is going to be a very emotional evening for many people in our community. These types of incidents have the ability to affect a person”s life forever,” Team DUI Founder Judy Thein said. “I invite everyone throughout the entire county to share in this remembrance of all those whose lives have been touched in someway by DUI.”
While Team DUI is determined to reduce the fatality rate associated with DUI collisions in Lake County, its primary mission is the prevention of underage drinking. The team”s message has reached more than 1,500 students through its presentations at area schools, and the message is coming across.
“When we had the presentation for the DUI I thought it was sad. It made me think a lot. It made me think that I, as person, that I really should make a good choice if I ever get in the situation to get in the car with a drunk driver again,” one student wrote following a presentation. “While the women/man gave their presentation, I was thinking about if I were in the car with a person who was DUI and I were to get hurt. The presentation made me think what I would be putting my family through.”
Another student wrote: “I learned that drinking and driving is very bad and that police officers don”t like to go and tell the families that their child is not coming home.” Another wrote: “I learned that you don”t have a re-do button in life.”
“I have learned that my actions can affect others and if I”m drunk I shouldn”t drive. I also learned that I shouldn”t get in car with a drunk driver,” another student commented.
Team DUI consists of a panel of local political, governmental, education, law enforcement and resource leaders as well as victims of DUI-related collisions. A shared desire to reduce the injury and fatality rates attributed to driving under the influence has united this group in the good fight against drinking and driving. Since its inception, Team DUI has been recognized with several local and state awards for its contributions in fight against drinking and driving and the prevention of underage alcohol consumption.
Contact Denise Rockenstein at drockenstein@clearlakeobserver.com or call her directly at 994-6444, ext. 11.
