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Speak Up! against distracted driving event set for Saturday

Speak Up! against distracted driving event set for Saturday

Multiple law enforcement agencies throughout Williamson County are joining together to collectively spread the word about the dangers of distracted and impaired driving.

Speak Up, a free day-long event will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the parking lot of Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital Vanderbilt at Williamson Medical Center.

The event is designed to be a fun day for the whole family, as well as to open up the lines of communication between parents and their teenage children about driving, while texting or drinking.

“Teenagers often hear about these dangers at school, but the parents aren’t always involved in those conversations,” said event organizer Todd Ice, with SERVPRO of Williamson County. “This event is designed to help parents know how to ask their teenagers about this topic and educate both the parents and the teens on these very real dangers.

“If we can save one life, it’ll be worth it.”

In addition to activities for smaller children such as bounce houses and face painting, the day will include a live crash simulation culminating with a LifeFlight departure (weather permitting), live entertainment, guest speakers, Power for the Parent workshops on drug awareness and a drunk driving challenge course.

Involved in the event will be the Franklin and Brentwood Police, Franklin Fire Department, Fairview Police Department, the Williamson County Anti-Drug Coalition, Williamson County CASA, Williamson County Juvenile Court, Williamson County Sherriff’s Department, Williamson County EMS, Mothers Against Drunk Driving and the National Guard, among others.

There will be food trucks, a touch-a-truck and toys and prizes for the children with live music on an entertainment stage throughout the day with performances from Allie Brooks, Mila Mason, Spring Hill HarMonix, Jesse & Noah and other local and regional performers.

All proceeds from the event will go to the children’s hospital at Williamson Medical Center and the Williamson County Anti-Drug Coalition. The event is brought to you by SERVPRO of Williamson County with the support of Unique Quality Marketing, Inc.