PLYMOUTH, MA…
Ten years ago, Ethan Morgan was not much different than the classroom of students he addressed last week at Plymouth North High School. That is until he got behind the wheel of a car after a party. “Buzzed” but not drunk, he turned down offers from other partygoers to drive his car home. That decision would change his life and that of a Marshfield family forever.
As part of the Plymouth Safe Driving program, Morgan shared his odyssey, which began with his involvement in a fatal crash that took the life of a Marshfield firefighter. His journey took him down the road of alcohol and substance abuse, incarceration and rehabilitation. Clean and sober, Morgan’s efforts are now focused on motivating young people in school and in life.
“When I was in school, I thought everybody had a few drinks and then drove home. The truth is there are far more people who don’t do that,” said Morgan. “An automobile is a very powerful machine that can become a weapon if you’re not responsible. I wasn’t and I can never make right what happened. I wouldn’t want anyone to have to live with that.”
It was a message not lost on the students in the room, most of whom are sophomores and just beginning to learn how to drive.
“Usually our advisory sessions are a little chatty, but you could have heard a pin drop while Ethan spoke,” said Andrea Norton, a guidance counselor at Plymouth North and the advisor to Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD). “The students were engrossed by Ethan’s story and hopefully it’s one they don’t forget as they become drivers and adults.”
Added Vice Principal Derek Thompson, “This is a message our students need to hear. We have a number of fun events in the spring, most notably prom. While these activities are supposed to be fun and memorable, that can change in a heartbeat if you’re not responsible. Ethan’s talk today really hammered that home.”
The Plymouth Safe Driving program is a multi-pronged approach to promoting safe driving habits for Plymouth North and Plymouth South high schools sponsored by Plymouth Public Schools, the Plymouth Police Department, Commerce Insurance and King Collision Centers. In addition to having speakers like Morgan speak to high school students, King developed a Web site, www.plymouthsafedriving.org, offering safe driving and a safe driving contract for young drivers and their parents. The contract acts as the young driver’s pledge to drive responsibly.
Plymouth high school students who turn in a signed contract to their principal at either Plymouth North or South high school will be entered into a drawing for In Control’s Crash Prevention Training course (a $350 value). In addition to the winner, everyone who signs a contract and submits it to their respective principal is eligible to take the In Control Crash Prevention course at a 10 percent discount.
“Ethan’s story is one well worth hearing for any driver, young or old,” said Bruce King, owner of King Collision Centers. “With this campaign, if we can help just one kid become a better driver and avoid a serious accident, it’s well, well worth it.”
For updates on latest events and activities related to this program and additional safety information, please periodically visit www.plymouthsafedriving.org. To contact Ethan Morgan about speaking for your group, please e-mail him at ethan@thelaughingcamel.com or visit www.thelaughingcamel.com.
Anyone Can Remove Dents – King Collision Centers Removes Doubts
Founded in 1984 by Bruce King, King Collision Centers provides superior collision repair and extraordinary customer care to thousands of clients south of Boston. King Collision is dedicated to earning customers for life and their team of professionals help clients through the collision repair process every step of the way – from coordinating a rental vehicle; providing accurate damage appraisal; assisting with the insurance claim process and ensuring that the vehicle is returned to its pre-accident operation, safety and value.
King Collision Centers was voted “Best Collision Repair” by Market Surveys of America and they have been selected to participate in the Repair Shop Referral Programs of 20 different insurance companies. That includes being part of Commerce Insurance’s CARES (Commerce Auto Express Repair Service) Shops, an elite program that includes approximately 120 collision shops across Massachusetts.
The company continues to build strategic alliances with auto dealerships, enabling dealerships to offer collision repair services on-site – similar to their alignment with Mastria Auto Group in Raynham.
King Collision Centers are located in Pembroke, Plymouth and most recently, Raynham, MA. For more information, visit KingCollision.com or contact 508-747-2005
Follow Us!