The Mock Crash takes place every year at Calvert High School educating students on the dangers of distracting and impaired driving. Last year they focused on driving while being under the influence of marijuana. This year, the CHS Criminal Justice in conjunction with local law enforcement and emergency personnel presented this years mock crash on April 15 which focused on the dangers of texting and driving.
The program began with hour-long presentation of a mock crash that took place outside. Each year the scenario and the setup change. This year, a car with one driver and one passenger which crashed into a stopped car with two occupants that then rammed into a school bus. The car that crashed into the other was texting and driving, and only the driver was wearing a seat belt. This resulted in a fatality as the students saw someone was ejected from the window.
All of the actors were students in the CHS criminal justice program. Local police officers, EMTs, and other law enforcement and medical personal showed up and acted as if this were a real crash. As this is happening, police officers and other locals talk through what the students are seeing. The firefighters had to destroy the car to get to the passengers, and the EMTs had to get trapped passengers out of cars safely. It was not only an emotional experience but also a shockingly realistic one.
Followed by the mock crash was a presentation with two speakers. The first speaker presented information about a car’s mechanics as well as facts and statistics about car accidents and injuries. The speaker dove into each of the actors’ injuries and how they would affect their everyday life if this were real. For example, the passenger of the car that was rammed into the bus suffered from broken ribs and foot injuries, causing her to be on bed rest, which would impact her grades at school and her ability to look after her younger brother.
The second speaker spoke about her personal experience with distracted driving and how it can sadly take others’ lives. Also, she mentioned the legal effects and consequences. This talk was very necessary and impactful and shows how real these situations are.
Distracted driving takes thousands of lives a year and it is extremely important to stay safe and educated on the dangers of it. The CHS Criminal Justice Program and the local officers, firefighters, and medical workers put on an unforgettable mock crash that will stick with students for the rest of their lives.
