Think Before You Drink

By GRACE OUTLY

Drunk driving continues to be a serious concern among young adults, with lasting consequences that affect the driver and the community as a whole. Understanding the consequences of drunk driving is critical in making responsible decisions and protecting our community. 

Every year thousands of lives are lost due to drunk driving, making it the leading cause of traffic related deaths in the world. These family members, friends, and classmates' lives were tragically taken too soon due to a preventable choice. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, nearly 11,000 people died in alcohol related crashes in a single year. Young people, between the ages of 16 and 24 in particular, are most affected by these crashes. Teenage drivers have limited experience on the road, and tend to engage in risky behavior that makes them more likely to be involved in accidents involving alcohol. 

Every year, Washingtonville High School presents a mock car accident to the 11th grade students. A mock accident is a staged event typically organized by schools, local police departments, and other community organizations to stimulate the aftermath of a drunk driving crash. This mock accident is designed to be realistic in order to trigger an emotional response from the students. It also involves actors from the school playing roles of the injured or dead individuals. Emergency first responders, including police officers, fire fighters, and EMS attend this event to make it as realistic as possible.

These first responders play a crucial role in making the mock accident impactful for the students. They volunteer their time and expertise to show in detail what the aftermath of a drunk driving accident looks like by providing a close up look at the critical actions they take in real emergencies. Police officers simulate the arrest of the drunk driver in order to demonstrate the legal consequences of drunk driving. The firefighters extract the passengers out of the crushed cars using real tools. Paramedics and EMT’s demonstrate their life saving techniques as they treat the injured passengers which helps emphasize the extreme conditions they have to perform flawlessly in. 

When students see the involvement of their community they realize the importance of prioritizing safe driving. Drunk driving continues to be a major issue that takes thousands of lives every year, especially with young adults. These mock accidents are powerful tools to educate students about the dangers of drunk driving. These realistic events give students a strong reminder of the consequences of their actions behind the wheel. The long term effects of the mock accident are significant and will remind students of community involvement and the promotion of responsible driving behaviors.

By showing an emotional experience, schools will help guide students toward making safer choices and eventually saving lives.