BROOKINGS – A mock fatal crash staged Thursday morning showed Brookings high schoolers just how serious it is to text and drive.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among teenagers.
To make the car crash as real as possible, the Brookings chapter of Family, Career and Community Leaders of America enlisted the help of local ambulance crews, police and the fire department with the Jaws of Life.
More than 400 juniors and seniors came out to the parking lot at Bob Shelden field to witness the texting and driving accident scene. Even though the day was prearranged by Brookings High School’s FCCLA chapter, it was a lesson many students won’t soon forget, organizers say.
Following the mock crash outside, students were led inside, where a funeral for the victims was held and where the person guilty of causing the crash was prosecuted for distracted driving.
Students also heard from speakers who have been impacted by distracted driving themselves. The simulated driving scene and mock funeral made a huge impact on the student body, the FCCLA chapter reported.
Brookings FCCLA members thank all of the emergency responders and individuals who helped them put on the event.
