Mock crash at local high school highlights drunk driving risks
LAWRENCVILLE, Ill. (WTWO/WAWV) — The 100 deadliest days for teen drivers are from Memorial Day to Labor Day. As high school students prepare for their summer break, local first responders are teaching them the dangers of driving under the influence.
Imagine a horrific crash on prom night kills one of your classmates due to a drunk driver. That's the scenario Red Hill and Lawrenceville High School students faced during a mock crash simulation on Tuesday.
'It's every parent's nightmare, or however you want to look at it, it's a … scary situation,' said Brian Cook.
Brian and his wife Leighann Cook, volunteered as parents of one of the students killed in the mock crash.
Even though it wasn't real, they said it still pulled on their heart strings.
' It brought some tears up to me. I didn't think it would, but once I saw all the action with the teams, fire department and police and it really brought a tear up… it was tough. It really was. Being a parent, it was tough,' said Cook.
'We tried to make it as realistic as possible, and we did have students in tears and parents in tears. And that was kind of the message, we wanted to make it as realistic as possible. If you teach them young, maybe we will have a chance at eliminating drunk driving,' said Keith Fisher, Lawrenceville Fire Department Trustee.
'During the prom season, we wanted to push the message of don't drink and drive. It can be very fatal and very hazardous. So, we ask you, please don't drink and drive,' said Fisher.
The production was brought together by 15 local first responders who have all seen firsthand the horrible damage caused by drinking and driving.
'It's an eye-opener. I know it was for me and hopefully it was for the high school kids…. The reality. You think it's just acting but once you get involved in it, it really is a lot of reality to it, and it hits home,' said Cook.
A graphic reality check that firefighters, police officers and teachers hope these teens will take to heart.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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