WIS News 10 - Columbia, South Carolina | Mock crash demonstrates danger of drunk driving

Mock crash demonstrates danger of drunk driving

(Kershaw County) May 2, 2003 - An assembly Friday at Lugoff-Elgin High School replaced the usual band music with the frightening sound of sirens and the peppiness of cheerleaders with the sight of fake blood.

The assembly featured a dramatization of an alcohol-related crash designed to drive home a message to students: drinking and driving is dangerous and deadly.

Senior Jessica Hinson got the message, "It was kinda scary to see that kids get into cars drinking and driving."

The dramatization began with kids drinking at a party. Their short trip for more alcohol ended tragically with a mock crash and students learned sometimes people don't walk away from alcohol-related accidents.

In the drama student Stephen Waldon died at the scene. Afterward he says he believes the students get the powerful message, "When you see a student put into a body bag ... it hits home. You say, 'This could happen.'"

It does happen, according to Lance Corporal Kelly Hughes of the South Carolina Highway Patrol, "We have seen a string of alcohol-related crashes. Last week we saw a big influx of fatalities."

After seeing the dramatization, senior Tavaris Little signed the school's prom promise not to drink and drive or do drugs on prom night, "We got serious when we saw the car. My friend and I said, 'We ain't gonna drink.'"

Law enforcement and emergency personnel say they approached Friday's demonstration just like an actual emergency.

by Hannah Nelson

posted 3:30pm by Chris Rees