Juniors and Seniors at NHS witnessed a Mock Car Crash, representing the dangers involved with driving.
by Bailey Freedman
Editor in Chief
Sounds of crushing metal, rolling tires, and screaming teens filled the NHS parking lot, kicking off the start to the Mock Car Crash demonstration. While emergency vehicles whirled throughout the lot, selected student actors took position representing injured, scared, and deceased passengers in the crash.
Throughout months of planning, Ms. Brittany Aley, Health teacher at NHS, led the student actors through various meetings with Chesapeake Region Safety Council (CRSC) representatives in preparation for the simulated crash. These efforts eventually led to a flawless event, with professionally organized scenes.
Kicking off the event, a simulated 911 call regarding the crash flooded through the speakers, queuing all emergency branches, such as policemen, firefighters, and EMTs, to take action on the scene. While volunteers from the Dunkirk and North Beach fire departments sliced through the totaled car, removing injured student actors, the Northern junior class watched with anticipation of the next emergency step.
Allowing students to witness the Mock Crash created a hard-hitting reminder of the dangers of unsafe driving behaviors, such as driving under the influence, operating or riding in a vehicle without wearing a seatbelt, and distracted driving. According to the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office, “These mock crash events are intended to show young drivers the very real and potentially devastating consequences that can result from poor driving decisions.”
Traveling throughout Calvert County Public Schools, CRSC continues to lead Mock Crash demonstrations for students to not only gain information on the dangers of unsafe driving but also the effects of bad decisions regarding vehicle safety. Students at NHS were given the opportunity to speak with first responders on the scene and ask questions to the leader of the organization in a following assembly. Volunteer Collin Minor with the Dunkirk Fire Department noted to students, “It’s especially important to wear your seatbelt, don’t drink and drive, and try not to drive super late at night. Don’t be a distracted driver on the road.”
Within the assembly, juniors and seniors had the opportunity to learn about impact force and how their traveling speeds affect their bodies and cars in the unwanted situation of a car crash. Following the statistics, Suzanne Elzey, mom of a teenage boy who tragically passed away in a car accident, told her story and explained the affects her family has endured due to one poor driving decision.
Vehicle safety is an important topic that must be discussed with young drivers in and out of the school setting. Mock crashes and vehicle danger assemblies allow students to understand the severities and risks of their decisions in terms of driving or riding in a car. CRSC continues to educate teen drivers throughout Calvert County and beyond with their long-lasting impressions on students.
