Dangers of Impaired Driving

This version corrects the name of Gloucester Police Interim Chief Michael Williams.

Seniors participated in the annual Senior Safety Day, in which Gloucester Police and Fire educate students on the dangers of reckless driving through hands-on learning opportunities. From left: Esme Sarrouf, Georgana Cauthers, School Resource Officer Michael Scola, Martina Cracchiolo, Laila Ciarametaro, Santana Faria, and Jessica Harvey (front). (Photo Courtesy Gloucester Fire Department)

GLOUCESTER — In the midst of prom and graduation season, Gloucester Police and Fire spent time with high school seniors during their annual Senior Safety Day to raise awareness of impaired and reckless driving.

Senior Safety Day is an annual initiative organized by School Resource Officer Michael Scola. Now in its 12th year, the day allows students to connect with the Gloucester Police and Fire Departments to participate in hands-on learning experiences that demonstrate the dangers of reckless driving.

The 2026 Senior Safety Day was held on Friday, May 22. All seniors are excused from classes for the day to be able to participate.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 1 in 3 teen-related traffic fatalities occur during prom season. To promote safe driving practices, the Departments hosted a mock crash, using a wrecked car provided by North Shore Scrap Steel and T&J Auto and Towing to simulate the aftermath of a reckless driving incident. Gloucester Fire then demonstrated a patient extrication using the Jaws of Life.

Chris and Kathi Sullivan of Sullivan’s Message also spoke to students about resilience, recovery, hope, and the lasting impact one’s decisions have on themselves and those around them, using their personal stories to amplify the message.

Kathi shared “Taylor’s Message,” the story of her daughter Taylor, who tragically lost her life after a night involving underaged drinking and poor decision making. Chris, a former New England Patriot, gave his presentation, “Not in the Playbook,” about his struggles with addiction, anxiety, depression and mental health following his professional football career.

Gloucester Fire and EMS also demonstrated multiple pieces of equipment, including a LUCAS chest compression device. Students also had the opportunity to try on turnout gear and helmets and ask firefighters questions about their careers, allowing students to gain an understanding of possible careers in firefighting as they approach post-graduate life.

The Danvers Police Department brought “drunk goggles,” to the event for students to try on, putting into perspective the ways in which perception and motor skills are impaired when under the influence of drugs and alcohol.

The entire day was made possible with support from a multitude of school administrators, Town Departments, local businesses and more. The Gloucester Police and Fire Departments would especially like to recognize Essex County District Attorney Paul Tucker and the Essex County District Attorney’s Office for sponsoring the event and for their continued commitment to youth safety initiatives throughout the community, as well as the Gloucester Board of Health and Beauport Ambulance for supporting and providing resources that contribute to the event’s success.

“Gloucester Public Safety remains committed to ensuring school events are a safe and fun experience for students,” said Fire Chief Eric Smith. “While we do our part to keep roads safe, its important that students are also aware of the risks of impaired and reckless driving so that they can be safe as well. Senior Safety Day is always a positive experience for students, and we are happy to be able to share our knowledge with students. Congratulations to all of the Class of 2026 graduates!”

The Gloucester Police and Fire Departments remind parents and teens of the

following safety tips for teens and parents from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):

For teens:

Pay Attention: Distracted driving, especially texting or using social media while driving, is common among younger drivers.
Slow Down: Faster speeds rob drivers of the extra reaction time they may need to avoid a crash, and inexperience behind the wheel makes speeding especially dangerous for young drivers.
Stay Alert: Prom usually ends around midnight, and after-parties can end much later. Make sure you get home before the exhaustion hits, or work out a plan with friends to stay the night in a safe place so you won’t be driving drowsy.
Buckle Up: Remember to buckle up, every trip, every time, and ask your passengers to do the same.
Drive Sober: It is illegal for people under the age of 21 to consume alcohol, and it is illegal to drink and drive. Under no circumstances should high-school prom-goers drink alcohol. But if you have consumed alcohol, hand your keys to a sober driver so you can get home safely.

For parents:

Hire a Ride: Talk to other parents about springing for a chauffeur. Your inexperienced teen drivers are already distracted by the excitement of the evening, and knowing they’re in the hands of a capable driver will bring you peace of mind and help keep the roads safe.
Set the Rules: If your teen is planning to drive to prom, talk to him or her about safe driving habits, and what behavior is expected when he or she is behind the wheel. Remind your teen that many States’ graduated driver licensing laws restrict the number of passengers they are legally allowed to have in their car.
Open Your Home: Prom night is a late night. Encourage your teen to ask friends to spend the night to keep them off the roads. Provide plenty of snacks and non-alcoholic beverages to facilitate a sober night of fun.
Be the Example: Your kids are paying attention, so model good habits every time you drive. Practice what you preach and put down your cell phone, buckle your seat belt, and always obey traffic laws.

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Student Anthony Doucette, who is committed to the United States Marine Corps after graduation, learns about the LUCAS automatic chest compression device from Firefighter/Paramedic Clay Whitley. (Photo Courtesy Gloucester Fire Department)

Students Jessica Harvey (left) and Santana Faria (right) try on turnout gear. Harvey will be attending Bryant University in the fall, and Faria will be attending the University of Massachusetts Amherst. (Photo Courtesy Gloucester Fire)

Senior Zach Pool assists with cleaning up after the mock crash. (Photo Courtesy Gloucester Fire Department)

Jessica Harvey with Gloucester Fire Deputy Chief Phil Harvey in a wrecked vehicle provided by North Shore Scrap Steel and T&J Auto and Towing. (Photo Courtesy Gloucester Fire Department)