Jackson teens get grim reminder of drunken driving risks
EAST JACKSON — Some Jackson high school students got a cautionary look at the consequences that can become a reality as a result of drinking and driving. “Grim Reaper Week,” organized by the Jackson Police Department, uses the Halloween spirit in a way to remind high school students to stay safe. On Wednesday, a grim reaper was chosen to come into a classroom during second block at Madison Academic Magnet High School and take out one student every 15 minutes, representing the one teen death every 15 minutes caused by drunk driving. All students selected as “dead” were given a black T-shirt to wear and were not allowed to talk for the rest of the day. “It can happen at any time at all, and you don’t know who it’s going to be,” said Nathan Chin, a senior and one of the “grim reapers.” “And it happens just like that, and it’s over, so you know you’ve got to be careful.” Thursday’s events will include a mock car crash and one-minute eulogies prepared by students.
