Robert's Story On DVD

         I spoke to Robert's Probation Officer (from his 1999 DWI conviction) not long after his death.  I knew part of his probation included having to attend a six hour alcohol awareness class.  That was the second time he attended the class, as he also had to attend it when he received an MIP citation (Minor In Possession of alcohol) at age 15 or 16.  I asked her what was being taught in those classes ?  I told her I wasn't blaming them for what happened to Robert, as his death was the result of his own decision to drink and drive, but felt something must be missing in those classes due to the high number of repeat offenders.  Robert was certainly not an isolated case.

          The Probation Officer said she and a number of the instructors who teach the alcohol awareness class felt that several of the videos they are required to show are outdated and ineffective.  She directed me to the probation department where the classes are held.  The instructor who taught Robert's class agreed with her assessment of the class video curriculum.  He said many of the videos are re-enactments that are so "over-acted" that a good portion of the class actually laughs while they are being viewed.  There was no reality.

          I asked the instructor, "What if you had a video of a true story like Robert's that was told by someone like myself, who was clearly not an actor?  Do you think it would have more impact?  He said that based on the high number of repeat alcohol offenders they deal with, it was obvious that they needed more "tools" in their prevention efforts, and encouraged me to produce a reality based video. 

          With that in mind, Robert's Story was produced by a video production company.  Copies of photos taken at the crash site by the Texas Department of Public Safety. were obtained for use in the video.  (There are no "body shots."  Robert had been missing for almost two days and was badly decomposed when he was found.  I have never seen the photos they took of his body, nor do I ever want to.  Gruesome photos are not needed to convey the reality of what happened to Robert.)

          "Robert's Story" takes viewers through the events that resulted in his death.  Alcohol was certainly the primary factor, but other factors such as fatigue and failure to wear his seat belt also played a role.  Television newscast footage is included.  Viewers are taken to the actual crash site, an "autopsy room" (again, no body shots), and to Roberts' gravesite.  There is no melodrama or acting.  This is as real as it gets.

          Several of Robert's closest friends also agreed to be interviewed.  At the beginning of the video they help paint a picture of who Robert was, putting a "face with a statistic" so that other young people can hopefully identify with who Robert was and perhaps see a bit of themselves in his life.  At the end of the video Robert's friends relate how his death affected them, and the decisions they now make.  Part of their behavior change includes now designating a non-drinking driver if they go out and drink.

          It should be noted that Robert's friends who convey the "designated driver message" are of legal drinking age.  This video in no way endorses underage drinking.  Although abstinence might be the ideal goal, it is unrealistic to think that Robert's Story will cause everyone who drinks alcohol to cease after seeing the results of Robert's decisions.  The message is clear:  IF you drink alcohol, don't drive.  Have a designated driver if you will be on the road after drinking.

          Robert's Story is available exclusively on DVD.  It is no longer offered as a VHS tape, as that technology seems to be a thing of the past, and there are minimal requests now for that tape format.  (Purchasers are permitted to make ONE VHS copy from the DVD if they require the VHS tape format.) 

This DVD is available for $55 per copy.  The price INCLUDES shipping & handling costs.

To purchase this DVD please send a check or money order for $55 to:

Arrive Alive

339 6th Avenue West

Bradenton, Florida 34205

(Allow 2 to 4 weeks for delivery.)

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