The Roanoke Children’s Theatre is reaching out to educate the members of the community in its upcoming production”ILY: Hang Up and Drive”. In case you aren’t aware, ILY is shorthand in the texting world for “I Love You” . The play highlights the senseless tragedies that result from mixing cellphone use with driving.
Anything that causes drivers to take their eyes of the road inhibits one’s ability to drive safely. While teens are not the only group of drivers addicted to their cell phones these days, they are the group of people with the least amount of driving experience.
This combination can prove deadly for anyone on the road.
The Research
According to the CDC, 2,333 teens aged 16-19 died in motor vehicle crashes in 2015. That means that 6 kids died every day that year due to car accidents.
Males are most at-risk. Boys aged 16-19 made up two-thirds of the fatalities the 2014 study.
Teens driving with other teens as passengers are also at greater risk for being in a crash.
Why Teens?
It truly comes down to experience. Teens are more likely than mature drivers to underestimate or recognize hazardous road conditions. Teens are more likely to speed and less likely to maintain a safe following distance. Teens are also less likely to wear a seat belt especially when riding with other kids. Combining all of these factors with distracted driving, and the consequences will be deadly.
Thankful for Our Roanoke Community
“ILY: Hang Up and Drive” is being put on by the RCT4TEENS program. It is a non-profit progam that for the past 8 years has put on a play that addresses difficult societal issues that teens in the Roanoke Valley face. Past topics included cyberbullying, eating disorders and drunk driving. Each production is followed by a discussion with a panel of experts on the topic. The plays have also been performed in area high schools as well as middle schools.
Ways to Support
Interested in learning more about Roanoke Children’s Theatre? Visit their website and preview the list of coming soon performances that include
“You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown.” and “Annie”. The next musical will be “Charlotte’s Web” and will be performed May25-27 at The Jefferson Center. There is also an opportunity to donate or become a sponsor.
If you would like to attend “ILY: Hang Up and Drive” the paly will be held at the Fostek Rehearsal Hall, Jefferson Center 541 Luck Avenue, Roanoke.
The cost is “pay what you can.” More information can be obtained by calling 540-400-7795.
The Thomson Law Firm is currently accepting car accident injury cases. If you or a loved one has been injured in a motor vehicle crash, call The Thomson Law Firm for a FREE consultation.
