The wreckage of a vehicle strategically placed on the lawn of Northwestern High School during October and November was hard to ignore.

Members of Students Against Destructive Decisions were banking on exactly that.

“Our goal was to make people aware of the effects of drugs and alcohol and of destructive decisions that could potentially harm them,” Ashley Shukla, vice president of the organization said.

To get their message across, SADD planned a day-long event in the high school library.

“We had four stations, including a distracted driver simulation,” Treasurer Misha Javed said.

Students could also listen to a presentation about destructive driving and view a slide presentation.

“It’s one thing to tell people, ‘don’t text and drive’ but letting them experience first-hand through an interactive game is much more effective,” said Kassandra Morgan, SADD secretary.

More than 50 students visited the library to participate in the event according to Steph Dunbar, SADD adviser.

“I think they came expecting to have snacks only, but I think they walked away with a different perspective and a better understanding,” she explained. “Hearing staff members tell their stories of personal experiences with distracted drivers was moving and brought the message home.”

Morgan said there was a good turnout.

“A lot of kids came both Flex A and B and that was really good,” Morgan said.

Northwestern’s Chief of Police Jon Nederostek spoke to the students.

“He told us a story he personally had with distracted drivers,” Dunbar said. “We watched a video where four staff members told their personal stories about situations they experienced.”

Javed explained her feelings about the presentation.

“I thought it was really sad to see that adults were once students, teen drivers and to realize it was not just them being affected by their decisions, but also their families and their community,” Javed said.

One of the most valuable outcomes of the day was students were able to customize their iPhones with a “Do not disturb while driving” message that would keep them much safer, Dunbar explained.

“It automatically activates when driving 20 miles an hour,” she explained. “It then sends an automated message telling the person calling or texting that you’re driving and cannot respond.”

Dunbar and her group worries students often feel invulnerable when they get behind the wheel.

“They think it can’t happen to me. They’re really dismissive,” she said. “But in just five seconds, at 55 miles an hour, it is exactly like driving the length of an entire football field with your eyes closed. That to me is just unimaginable.”

The members of SADD are equally committed to delivering their message.

“I have almost 40 members and they are the best bunch of kids I could ever ask for,” Dunbar said. “They are so creative and supportive of each other and they’re so excited about everything we do. I’m very proud of them, very, very proud of them.”

Ashley Shukla, SADD vice president, joined the organization in her freshman year.

“I was looking for a club that was interesting and SADD is [both] interesting and helpful to the community,” Shukla said. “We have spent days where people wear certain colors, for example.

“We gave red ribbons to students so that they pledge to make good decisions.

“We had a printout of each ribbon and tacked it up on a wall.”

Dunbar said many people provided support for the SADD event.

“I called Lee Miller and asked him if he had a car that we could use for a distracted driving display out front,” she said. “He delivered it and will tow it away.

“State Rep. Gary Day’s office and his assistant were very helpful in getting brochures on distracted driving.”

“It was a big learning experience, but Valley Youth House lent a hand when they contacted our school,” Dunbar said. “Mr. Sim got a hold of the national SADD organizations and now we’re also a member of the national organization.”

Going forward, Dunbar has big plans for SADD.

“I want to get a nationally recognized speaker,” she said. “We want to do something on vaping, sponsor a driving safety event and healthy living fair.

“Next month, we’re hoping to do a healthy living expo at Parkland High School.

“We’re pairing with other schools in Lehigh County. This will probably involve a snack and activity that promote staying healthy.”

Dunbar said very week she encourages members to plan something regarding destructive decisions.

“It’s not just something that happens during October or Red Ribbon Week,” Dunbar said. “I want to remind students every single day.”

Members want to involve the student body every month, she explained.

“We are currently trying to create a video for the just drive campaign,” she said. “We had a pizza party to encourage new members, bought T-shirts for the kids and sponsored a fundraiser selling Krispy Kremes. SADD will gratefully accept donations to assist the NWL chapter.”

Morgan said she likes the overall message of the club.

“Some kids act more reckless when they first get their license because you’re so excited about being a new driver,” Morgan said. “It’s hard when you’re driving with other people if they get distracted.”