Bladen County Schools 2019-2020 Beginning Teacher of the Year, and NCCAT Finalist for N.C. Beginning Teacher of the Year, Lara Bell Johnson, announced she wanted to use her platform to keep students and citizens safe this season. Johnson teaches Health Occupations at East Bladen High School.
East and West Bladen High Schools will have graduation ceremonies held this week. Johnson explained with graduation season comes parties and celebrations. Drowsy driving and other components that come along with late-night celebrations could put students and other motorists at risk.
According to the National Highway Traffic Administration, there were an estimated 72,000 crashes caused by drowsy driving in 2013, leading to 44,000 injuries and 800 deaths. These numbers may be underestimated by as many as 6,000 deaths the agency admits.
Johnson realizes the risks and said she wanted to offer a safe ride to students who may be out late celebrating. Johnson’s colleague, Linda Beard, who is the 2020 NC Hunger Hero has also offered to assist with this campaign.
Bladen County students needing transportation after a graduation party may call or text Mrs. Johnson for free, safe transportation. Any citizen wanting to assist in the campaign may contact Johnson at 910-874-4221 or Beard at 910-876-2062.
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