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The School Newspaper of Harriton High School

The Harriton Banner

The School Newspaper of Harriton High School

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Good Samaritan Law Designed To Help Teenage Safety

Recently, Pennsylvania has passed a new law, the Good Samaritan Law. The
law signed by Governor Tom Corbett on July 7, 2011, is aimed to motivate young
people to call for help if they are dealing with a friend sick from under-age drinking if the situation became dangerous. The law has three requirements. First, the caller must have a rational belief that he or she is the first one to make the call. Next, the caller must give the authorities their full name. Lastly, the caller must stay with the sick individual until help has arrived. If the caller meets these requirements, he or she will not be prosecuted for underage possession or consumption of alcohol.

According to Sean Moll, legislative assistant for supporter Senator John
Rafferty, “there is no doubt that this law is going to save lives.” Previous to the Good Samaritan Law, young people have made bad decisions because they are too afraid to call authorities in fear of receiving a consequence. As stated by Moll, “young people often try to do the right thing for their friends by putting them to bed while they are dangerously intoxicated. The safer decision in an emergency like this is to call medical authorities.” If a person can follow the three requirements, there will be no consequences for the caller, and he/she will be doing the safest thing, by helping the victim in need. The main goal in passing this law is to encourage underage drinkers to seek help in an emergency; preventing loss of life.

Overall, this law is for the good of the people. It is not meant to hurt, only to
help. According to Bangor Daily News, each year, almost 2,000 United States college students die from alcohol-related causes. With the Good Samaritan Law in place, hopefully this number will decrease. It will allow people to make responsible decisions without receiving a consequence. The law may even reduce underage drinking because young people will see the affect it can take. The Good Samaritan Law will undoubtedly have a positive impact.

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