Students learn the dangers of drunk driving.
SPALDING -- Every fifteen minutes, someone dies in an alcohol-related car accident. Sixty percent of all teenage vehicle-related deaths include alcohol as a factor. To bring this message home, students at North Central High School got to witness an accident up close and personal.
"I don't know, I think someone might be dead." That was how the scene opened for Wednesday's mock accident that took place behind the North Central High School.
The scene was devastating, showing a van that had collided with a bicyclist, who was splayed out on the hood of the vehicle. Blood was in profusion, as were empty beer cans and alcohol bottles.
Though the emergency personnel were real, fortunately, the blood and injuries weren't.
Students put on the mock accident that afternoon to demonstrate to their classmates the dangers of drinking and driving. According to statistics, seventy percent of all teenagers drink alcohol, so organizers hope it's a sobering event.
"We want to get the word out that drinking and driving does kill and it doesn't matter what age you are, it does happen to you," explained Karianne Caylor, prevention specialist.
Students had the opportunity to witness firsthand how emergency responders would react in a real situation, including getting to see the harsh reality of one of their classmates dead.
Those involved hope that it shows that drunk-driving accidents are a reality for teenagers.
"People don't think that it's ever going to happen to them," said Kerri Rochon, who played the bicyclist who was dead by the time medical personnel arrived on the scene. "It's reality. It's going to happen to somebody. I mean, the statistics are out there--it's going to happen."
In fact, we know that eight teenagers die every day in alcohol-related car accidents.
Though only the junior and senior high schoolers were involved in Wednesday's demonstration, a program Thursday morning will also include the sophomore class. At that point, a mock funeral for one of the victims will be held as well as speakers educating the kids about drinking and driving.