A film about the heartache suffered by a family who lost their teenage son, and friends who lost their mates in a vehicle crash, will be shared with Southland secondary school pupils and their parents next week.
The DVD, titled The Ripple Effect, tells the story of a birthday celebration that went horribly wrong in July 2009, ending with a vehicle crash in which two young men died and four people were hurt.
One of the teenagers who died in the crash was 18-year-old Nathan Laurenson.
His father, Brent, accompanied by wife Christine, will be visiting Southland schools to talk to pupils about the experience of losing their son.
Nathan and his friend Udo Fourie both died in a vehicle crash near Plimmerton, Wellington, in July 2009, after they took a ride in a modified Subaru Impreza driven by someone they did not know.
The DVD highlights the enduring effect Nathan's death and that of his friend, Udo, have had on their family and friends, demonstrating the heartbreaking consequences one simple decision can have.
Southland Highway Patrol sergeant Geoff Sutherland said he could see the potential for the DVD to positively influence the behaviours of young people in the South.
He said The Ripple Effect aimed to educate young drivers and young people about making good choices, which might save their lives.
The hour-long session includes a showing of the film, and presentations from Sgt Sutherland and Mr Laurenson.
The schedule for the screenings is:
Monday, June 11: Southland Boys' and Girls' High Schools, Verdon College.
Tuesday, June 12: Gore High School and St Peter's College.
Wednesday, June 13: Waiau College; parents' viewing at Southland Boys' High School.
Thursday, June 14: Aparima College and Fiordland College.
Friday, June 15: James Hargest High School, Aurora College and Central Southland College.
