Mock Crash Shows Lakeside Students Consequences of Impaired Driving

Lakeside High School upperclassmen watched a mock DUI (Driving Under the Influence) crash on April 23 as part of a safety presentation ahead of prom.

The event was developed by Stevens County Fire District 1 in cooperation with the Nine Mile School District. The scenario simulated a drunken driving crash on prom night and showed students the potential consequences of impaired driving.

Before the presentation began, students were briefed on the purpose of the exercise and reminded that counseling would be available if needed.

The mock crash was staged on the football field and included students made up to appear as though they had traumatic injuries. One death was simulated, and law enforcement officers arrested the student portraying the suspected impaired driver.

Life Flight Network had been scheduled to participate, but real-world emergency calls prevented the helicopter from landing at the scene.

After the crash response concluded, the presentation moved indoors for a simulated funeral. Eulogies were delivered for the student portrayed as deceased, with the student’s mother participating in the presentation and a closed casket serving as the backdrop.

The program then moved into a courtroom scenario. The student portraying the driver, dressed in black-and-white jail clothing, was put on trial and sentenced to 90 months in jail, followed by 24 months of community custody.

The event concluded with remarks from School Resource Officer and Stevens County Sheriff’s Deputy Matt Turnridge and Fire District 1 Chief Mike Bucy.

Participating agencies included Lakeside High School, Washington State Patrol, Stevens County Sheriff’s Office, and Deer Park Ambulance.