As more students turn 16 and get behind the wheel, the dangers and responsibilities of driving become even more real.   “To make sure I am always being a safe driver, I always stay off my phone and try to stay either five above or five below the speed limit, and be cautious of people around me,” senior Jaxson Deckard said.

   Safe driving was on the forefront of students’ minds after a Jan. 17 assembly. Warsaw’s FCCLA hosted a driving safety assembly featuring the Missouri State Highway Patrol. This assembly came on the heels of bad winter weather that caused driving safety concerns for many motorists.

   During the icy weather the week of Jan. 7, some students were affected by weather issues.     

   “The roads were very icy and I could not get out of my house for a while, so that differently affected me,”junior Sadie Chapman said. 

    “I was allowed to drive in the icy conditions and I got stuck a lot,” junior Shayla Kindle said.

   Highway Patrol officers 

Justin Howard and the speaker Justin Ewing came to talk about how important it is to take three seconds to put on a seat belt. 

   He showed several incidents involving car accidents with some wearing seat belts, and others not and listed that 9.2 percent of people that didn’t wear a seatbelt. 

   “The assembly really brought me some realization that a seat belt can truly save a life,” sophomore Levi Bildrback said. 

   FCCLA members stood outside the morning of the 17th and took count of students and staff who were wearing seat belts as they arrived at school.  There were a total of 63 students that did not wear a seatbelt.

  “I now understand how important it is to not use your phone while driving and wear your seatbelt,” sophomore Jasmine Myers said. 

   According to DmvEdu.org, there are many people involved in driving accidents each year that can be reduced or eliminated by safe driving practices.

   “Driving responsibly can not only save your life, but it can save the lives of thousands of other people. According to the CDC, 2 million people a year are injured in car accidents. With a few simple steps that all drivers can take, this number can drastically be reduced.” DmvEdu.org said.

      Students learned that making sure they are driving safe is something people should always remember.

   “It’s important to always stay cautious of everything around you while driving. Keep your eyes on the road and wear a seat belt. Because anything can happen when you are on the road.” sophomore Emma Taylor said.