Mock Fatality Vehicle Crash at the New London Community School District High School

A mock fatality vehicle crash was held in the East parking lot of the New London Lorber Gymnasium on March 27. With the approach of Prom, the re-enactment of such an event has many goals. First and foremost, Prom is known to increase the likelihood a teenager will drink and drive. Some schools have chosen to transport students to prom and post-prom activities in motor coaches. Students in grades 9-12 gathered to observe the consequences that may occur if the driver drinks and drives. The crash also emphasizes the fact that during prom, the driver is not alone and is transporting their dance partner and friends. Henry County Deputy Sheriff and New London Community Recourse Office Carolos Lopez organized and oversaw the project.

In the southeast corner of the parking lot, two wrecked cars were placed in the proper positions by Tiger Towing. Students from Masqued Tigers were made up and placed in the vehicles prior to the arrival of the students. One Tiger was placed realistically on the hood of the car having crashed through the windshield. High school students stood against the wall of the gymnasium making sure they were out of the way of the participating responders.

Officer Lopez began the program emphasizing the responsibilities of everyone as prom and graduation approach. Actually, these procedures are valid each time one drives. The first responders actually respond to real-life accidents and have worked hard to get everything correct.

Sheriff McNamee was the narrator for the scene. He encouraged everyone to realize that these events could happen to any one of the students, or their close friends and relatives. He began describing the accident. Two cars full of teenagers collided. One of the drivers had been drinking and was traveling at a high rate of speed. One of the injured passengers called 911. An audio of a real 911 call was played. The Sheriff noted how time seems endless between the 911 call and the arrival of the first responder.

Two of the less injured students got out of one of the cars. Finally, the New London Police arrive (actually less than five minutes.) An assessment is made and updates to the situation are radioed to Central.

The next to arrive is the HCSO. As severity of injuries is determined, the young person on the hood is announced as having injuries incompatible with life. Next to arrive is the New London Fire Department, and shortly thereafter the Henry County EMS. The injuries found by the EMS include multiple lacerations, air bag burns, fractured arms and legs, head injuries, a collapsed lung, and a deceased individual. These are all real injuries found at many vehicle crashes. Medical concerns are treated first, but soon the investigation of the OWI begins. The SFST personnel administer the sobriety test.

Questions are immediately apparent. How much trouble is the driver in? He is responsible for the death of a young person. He needs to call his parents and an arrest is made and he is placed in the squad car. Reality strikes as the deceased body is covered while still on the car. One of the last things to happen is the removal of the body and its placement in a body bag. The hearse arrives to remove the body and keep it safe as it undergoes whatever is deemed necessary by law enforcement and the medical examiner. Just before the conclusion, The deceased student stepped out of her role, and came to the student body to read a poem by an unknown author.

The narrator ends the event reminding all that one poor decision changes lives irreparably. Choose wisely, and together, let's ensure that this prom season is not marred by tragedy but instead marked by celebration, laughter, and memories that will last a lifetime.