The Power of In One Instant

A Message From Merle Price, Former Principal and Deputy Superintendent, LAUSD

The worst experience a school may face is the death of a student, especially in the case of a sudden and preventable accident, which for teens most frequently involves driving distractions due to texting, cell phone use, recklessness, and impairment. Those who have experienced the aftermath of such a tragedy know that the trauma to classmates, families, faculty and staff goes beyond anything that they have been prepared for and will impact the school community for a long time.

In One Instant is an award-winning and research-based resource for schools that has demonstrated ability to impact teens and their decision making in ways that can prevent tragic driving collisions. This video assembly program and toolkit have been developed with input from health and safety professionals, teachers, counselors, school administrators, psychologists, parents and teens themselves. It is easily administered with follow up materials for administrators, students, teachers, and parents.

With minimal disruption to instructional programs and school schedules, this program can provide a bonding experience between teens, their parents, and school personnel to help teens recognize the importance of their decisions and the role they play in preventing tragedies.

Your role in bringing this powerful program to your school has the potential to save lives. Many parents, teens, and administrators have acknowledged how this powerful and emotional experience impacts teen driving behavior, promotes smarter choices, and creates long-lasting change.

Please take a few minutes to see how easily this life saving program has been successfully implemented at many high schools and consider bringing this invaluable set of resources to your school community.

I’m the Trauma Prevention and Outreach Nurse for Natividad Medical Center in Monterey County. As injury prevention educators and healthcare providers, we are firsthand witnesses to the tragedies caused by motor vehicle crashes.  I wanted to share with you an exciting and impactful program, In One Instant, designed specifically for this purpose, which we have successfully implemented in all our Salinas/Monterrey high school prevention programs.

In One Instant is an award-winning, evidence-based program that empowers teens to make smart choices and save lives. Informed by years of research, this turnkey program features a powerful short video (used in assemblies and classrooms) along with comprehensive follow-up educational online materials. Designed for easy implementation, In One Instant can be completed in one class period or expanded into an entire unit. The program also offers teens the opportunity for continued engagement year-round, providing safe driving tips and numerous Community Service opportunities through their online Teen Guide. 

In One Instant is endorsed by the CHP, as well as the LAPD, LAFD, LA County Medical Association, UCLA School of Public Health, and USC Center for Trauma, Violence and Injury Prevention. The program has received prestigious awards from the U.S. Congress, California State Senate and LA City Council, and has been featured on ABC News and FOX News. 

I am enlisting your help to bring In One Instant to your high schools and community centers through your outreach programs. It’s effective, simple and easy to implement, and time efficient.  Please watch the quick four-minute trailer and testimonial videos available on the In One Instant website homepage to get a better idea of what the program entails: http://www.inoneinstant.org/

Together, we can reduce motor vehicle crashes and trauma among our youth!