Elk County students participate in mock accident ahead of prom

ST. MARY’S (WTAJ) — Don’t drink and drive. That’s the message groups are trying to share with students in Elk County.

Equipped with a mock crash, arrest, and memorial it’s a message the St. Marys Area High School is hoping to drive home to students ahead of prom. On Wednesday, May 8, the sounds of sirens and cries filled the school parking lot.

“Kids understand the dangers of driving under the influence and hopefully a realistic look at the aftermath and the consequences that follow will have them make better decisions,” Ann Defilippi, Director of the mock accident said.

With events like prom and graduation coming up organizers say physically showing what can happen can make a difference.

“I think if you can feel it, it impacts you. It stays with you. That message is going to stay with them,” Defilippi added.

Community first responders volunteered to show what they do at the scene from the initial call all the way to the arrest of the drunk driver.

“That’s the last thing we want to do is go out and pull somebody’s, son or daughter out of a car. You know, it could be one of our own, too, you know? So you hope the message is have a good time, but you don’t need alcohol,” Tom Bouer, public relations for the Crystal Fire Department said.

Several students who attended the event also got to be the actors for the mock accident.

“We’re just trying to spread awareness because we don’t want anyone actually going out and drinking and driving or driving intoxicated,” Johnny Brandy a senior said.

“They’re people, you know, and it can happen in real life. People, you know, can get in car accidents and die and get hurt. It’s just it’s a scary moment,” Maura Caskey, another senior added.

Even with bringing awareness organizers know it’s the students that ultimately have to make the decision not to drink. They hope they choose an alcohol-free night but know not everyone will.

“Kids are going to drink, right? If you’re going to drink. You either need a designated driver who is not drinking at all or you need to stay where you are or you need to make a plan with a parent to come pick you up,” Defilippi said.

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The students even had a mock funeral service for the student who passed in the mock accident. It’s a clear message to students to think twice before drinking and getting behind the wheel.

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