Keefe Tech Students Get Crash Course in Distracted Driving

A wrecked car sits by the Fountain Street entrance to Keefe Technical School in Framingham with a sign beside it displaying the slogan “No Phone, No Drink, No Joke.” Red tape reading “danger” surrounds the Ford Mustang GT, which is completely smashed on its driver’s side, complete with a shattered windshield, bent frame, and missing back bumper. 

“This car was actually involved in an accident in the MetroWest area so it’s more than just a visual for our students,” said Julie Westcott, a Keefe Tech science teacher. Westcott helped to organize the wreck donation from Exceptional Automotive in Framingham as part of an initiative for her Health and Wellness students. 

With prom just days away and graduation around the corner, drunk driving is timely a topic of discussion for high school seniors. But at Keefe Tech, seniors and underclassmen alike are not just learning about the dangers of drunk driving – they’re getting educated about the perils of distracted driving of any kind. 

“Our concern is student safety, and that’s why our slogan is ‘No Phone, No Drink, No Joke,’ ” noted Chad Fallon, Keefe Tech SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) Chapter Advisor. “Our SADD members feel strongly about raising awareness about distracted driving, whether it’s drunk driving or driving while texting.” 

In order to strengthen their message, Westcott and Fallon worked together to cosponsor “Good Decisions,” a seminar presented to juniors and seniors by Greg Deems of In Control Crash Prevention Training, on Wednesday, May 12.

 “We try to prepare people for the things you can’t learn while you’re on the road, like what to do when there’s a problem,” said Deems, who spoke with students about safe driving and gave them safety tips for prom night. “You can see the wheels turning as the students listen to what we have to say.” During the seminar, Keefe Tech School Resource Officer Michael Sheehen also gave students information about the legal ramifications of poor decision making when police become involved. 

“This is a particularly timely message as we approach prom season,” noted Keefe Technical School Principal Patricia Canali. “This seminar was a valuable opportunity for our upper class students to witness the potential consequences of destructive decisions,” she added. 

“Our goal was to involve the whole school, from the seminar reaching the 11th and 12th graders, and the wreck out front available for all to see,” added Westcott. “And our efforts have received tremendous support from the entire Keefe Tech community, from our fellow teachers to Principal Canali and Superintendent Lynch.” 

Keefe Technical School, located in Framingham, MA, is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. In addition to 13 different vocational programs, Keefe Tech offers a complete college preparatory program to students from the communities of Ashland, Framingham, Holliston, Hopkinton, and Natick.