Education

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Just in time for this weekend's May 24th partying, comes a message: Don't drink and drive.

And it was a harsh message, in the form of a re-enacted car crash caused by impaired driving.

The scene was set in the parking lot at Kincardine District Secondary School Thursday morning - crushed metal, a trapped driver, injured passenger, and one person who didn't make it.

The brainchild of Ripley firefighter and funeral director Jeff Pollard, the "reality" mock crash used KDSS students and staff as the victims, surrounded by Ripley and Kincardine fire departments, emergency medical services, and the South Bruce OPP.

Once the stage was set, the entire student body was called out to the parking lot and then watched as emergency personnel worked to save the lives of the victims. The injured included students Sydnie Nauss, Heather Girdwood and teacher Kathie Hackney, while the deceased was portrayed by Alex Smith.

MacKenzie and McCreath Funeral Home brought in a hearse to take away the dead body.

"It's been a real eye-opener for the kids," said South Bruce OPP constable Kevin Martin, community services officer, who helped set up the scenario.

"When they came out and saw the accident, they thought it was 'cool' and 'wow'. But then the hearse showed up and everyone grew quiet; it wasn't cool anymore."

After rescue workers had extricated Hackney from the vehicle, and the hearse took Alex away, Sydnie was arrested and charged with impaired driving causing death.

Martin then took the microphone and told the students that driving after drinking alcohol is a choice that people make. "Last year, 190 people were killed in Ontario due to drinking and driving. These are people who will never be able to go home again, never hug their mother, father, sister or brother.

"Today, we lost Alex Smith at the scene of the crash and shortly after, Heather Girdwood died at South Bruce Grey Health Centre due to severe trauma. They will not be going home tonight. Both of these deaths were completely preventable.

"Sydnie Nauss was charged with two counts of impaired driving causing death. She will not be going home tonight either. She could be facing a life sentence in jail because of her decision to drive after drinking alcohol.

"Drinking alcohol and doing drugs before driving, and using cell phones for calls or texting while driving are decisions you will be faced with. Drivers distracted by electronic devices are five times more likely to be involved in a crash. Don't be pressured into making the wrong choice.

"Remember, it's the decisions you make in life that shape your future. The decision to drink and drive takes a split second ... the consequences of impaired driving last a lifetime."

Principal Deb Kaufman said she knew the mock accident was going to be realistic but she didn't expect it to be quite that realistic.

"Our gratitude to all the emergency services personnel who put this together for our benefit," she said, adding special thanks to Pollard, Martin, the members of Ontario Students Against Impaired Driving (OSAID) and their staff advisor Sandy MacLeod, plus all the actors involved.

Martin said Huron Auto Wreckers provided the two cars and set the scene.

Alex Smith is covered with a blanket. Photo by Geoffrey Dadson

Rescue workers remove the roof off the car

Kathie Hackney is extricated from the vehicle

Sydnie Nauss is arrested by police

Beer found at the scene. Photo by Geoffrey Dadson

Alex said it was a weird feeling for him, just lying on the ground. "It was very disorienting, like being on a carnival ride with my eyes closed. And all I could hear was Ms. Hackney screaming."

"I think the kids got the message," said MacLeod. "Don't drink and drive."

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Friday, May 21, 2010