Penn Hills students engage in mock traffic court trials

Students from Penn Hills High School participated in mock traffic court trials to learn about road rules. They were invited to Judge Anthony DeLuca Jr.'s office as part of the Students Against Destructive Decisions program. A day before the event, students were given made-up charges to defend against. Maria Hernandez, a 17-year-old junior, faced the toughest charge of driving under the influence. She described the experience as stressful but educational. The mock trial helped her understand traffic laws better, including the rule about slowing down when passing construction workers and police on the road. The event was sponsored by AAA and Allegheny County Pretrial Services. Each student received a citation for their fictional offense. Other scenarios included reckless driving and permit violations. Terri Rae Anthony, a safety adviser from AAA, emphasized the importance of understanding the seriousness of traffic violations. Representatives from local law enforcement, including state police and Penn Hills police, also participated. They taught students about proper conduct after accidents, insurance handling, and court behavior. This yearly event aims to provide students with valuable knowledge as they prepare to drive. Judge DeLuca hosts this program annually, and it is designed to educate students before prom and graduation when traffic incidents among teens often increase. The goal is to empower students to make positive choices behind the wheel. Participants hope that the lessons learned will be useful in real-life situations.