The program was conducted in conjunction with the Battle Mountain District office. This is the first time the program has been done in Battle Mountain and Stewart said he is hoping to do it again.
"They seemed to be really receptive," said Stewart. "They liked it so we will probably do it again next year. The bottom line is it is going to save people's lives and it could save their life."
During the hour-long program, Stewart talked about the importance of seatbelts and that it only takes two seconds to buckle up. He said he talked about the NHP's Click it or Ticket campaign.
He discussed the dangers of distracted driving and the importance of not texting or talking on a cell phone without a hands free device while driving. He talked about the fines and then the exceptions to the law such as calling 911 to report an emergency.
He showed the students a video of a texting and driving accident. He also told the students of a personal experience he had of when he showed up to the scene of a crash and a person had died because the person was not wearing a seatbelt.
"I think it had a really good impact on them especially toward the end when they saw the video and when I told them my story," said Stewart. "I think it made them think twice about using a phone while driving. If you saw the look on some of their faces, it definitely impacted them."
Stewart said the program targets high school seniors because they are new to driving and cell phones are a major source of communication for that age group.
"We want to hit them while they are young and still receptive to these kinds of messages," he said.
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