In the past few years, insurance companies, cell phone services and the automobile industry have reached out to teenagers to educate and warn about distracted driving. On Sept. 15, State Farm Insurance Company, in collaboration with MV DECA, Interact and Habitat for Humanity, hosted “Celebrate My Drive,” an event designed to expose teen drivers to the dangers of driving while texting or under the influence as well as other forms of distracted driving.

This map highlights areas of interest around MVHS where the incidence of collisions is highest. According to the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office, trends indicate that collisions are most likely to occur near schools, parking lots and busy intersections.

Community members were invited to the event to experience field sobriety tests administered by Santa Clara County Sheriffs by wearing “drunk” goggles to simulate the effect of driving under the influence. The event was intended to educate students about the downfalls of distracted driving.