NEW CARLILSE — A local high school had its first mock crash in 15 years, highlighting the dangers of impaired driving.
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As reported on News Center 7 at 5:30 p.m., Tecumseh High School students learned a very serious lesson ahead of prom weekend.
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“What you’re about to witness is not just a demonstration. It’s a harsh reality,” Brian Dixon, the Director of Facility and Safety at Tecumseh High School, said.
The mock crash was a simulation, but it showed the real-life dangers of driving under the influence or distracted.
The visuals of a terrible crash, two students seriously hurt, and first responders rushing in were followed by Clark County deputies turning to the student behind the wheel, and under the influence.
Multiple first responders helped make the mock crash seem real, including CareFlight.
A CareFlight helicopter flew in to help the most critically injured.
The suspected drunk driver was taken into custody, and the injured were seen to by medics.
Crews also attended to the student who was killed, as her heartbroken mother arrived at the scene.
Sammy Russell played the role of the student killed in the crash.
“I had to sit there and listen to my mom running up and crying, and like it was very surreal for her,” Russell said.
Russell helped plan the mock crash.
“We were hoping it changes even just one person’s mind. It’s one life we saved,” Russell said.
Students like Senior Rolando Rodriguez watched the whole scene play out.
“It kind of like opened my eyes a little bit like, I’ve got to be more safe on my road,” Rodriguez said.
The goal of the mock crash was to encourage students to make safe choices when on the road.
It all came together with Laura Saegar, who lost her son Joey 14 years ago when a driver under the influence crashed into him.
“I didn’t get to go to the crash scene to say goodbye. I didn’t get to go to the hospital to say goodbye. My son was gone,” Saegar said. “My wish for you is that you graduate high school, that you live your life to the fullest... that you go to prom and have a wonderful time and make all those memories my son wanted to make.”
The crash may not have been real, but the organizers hope the lesson is.
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