Elk County students participate in a mock accident before prom

ST. MARY’S (WTAJ) – Don’t drink and drive. That’s the message groups want to convey to students in Elk County.

Featuring a simulated accident, arrest and memorial, it’s a message St. Marys Area High School wants to convey to students before prom. On Wednesday, May 8, the sound of sirens and screams filled the school parking lot.

“Children understand the dangers of driving under the influence and hope that a realistic look at the consequences and consequences that follow will help them make better decisions,” said Mock Accident Director Ann Defilippi.

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

“I think if you can feel it, it affects you. It stays with you. This message will stay with them,” Defilippi added.

The community’s first responders volunteered to show on-site what they do, from the first call to the arrest of the drunk driver.

“The last thing we want to do is go out and grab someone’s son or daughter from the car. You know, it could be one of ours, you know? So they’re hoping the message is, ‘Have fun, but you don’t need alcohol,'” said Tom Bouer, public relations officer for the Crystal Fire Department.

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

“We’re just trying to raise awareness because we don’t want anyone to actually go out and drink, drive or drive drunk,” said Johnny Brandy, a senior.

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

Even in raising awareness, organizers know that ultimately it is the students who have to make the decision not to drink. They hope they choose to have an alcohol-free evening, but know that not everyone will.

“Children will drink, won’t they? When you go out drinking. “You either need a designated driver who doesn’t drink at all, or you need to stay where you are, or you need to make a plan with a parent to pick you up,” Defilippi said.

The students even held a mock funeral for the student who died in the fake accident. It’s a clear message to students to think twice before drinking alcohol and getting behind the wheel.