This is a day Johnson High School students won’t soon forget.
As part of the Shattered Dreams program, a mock drunk driving crash was on display Tuesday complete with emergency personnel responding as they would following a real-life crash.
Students screamed in agony as they realized the extent of their injuries. They were covered in fake blood, shattered glass covered the pavement and empty beer cans were strewn around two vehicles parked in mid-collision.
While the event was staged, the message was clear – don’t get behind the wheel if you’re impaired. Johnson senior Dylan Fonville says the realism of the event really drove home the message.
“I think it’s really important to make good decisions while driving, because unfortunately things like this happen,” said Fonville. “Not only were they my classmates, but a few of them were some of my best friends. It was intense to see that play out because I can’t fathom if that happened in real life and how I would react to them being in a crash like this.”
A student portraying a drunk driver was “arrested” at the fake crash scene while another student with fake injuries was transported via helicopter to a nearby hospital. Another teen was inside a vehicle that required firefighters to use the “jaws of life” to reach her. Finally, a student portraying the “Grim Reaper” appeared to stand by a student whose character in the program didn’t survive the crash.
With spring break, prom season and graduation around the corner, the Johnson PTSA and Smart Driving Club wants to remind teens, and adults, of the dangers of driving distracted. Shattered Dreams is another powerful reminder to drive responsibly and keep your eyes on the road.
A special thank you to the Smart Driving Club, Johnson PTSA, and area law enforcement and first responders who collaborated to make this event possible.
