The West Central Valley High School, in conjunction with several emergency services held a mock accident on April 5th.
Stuart Police Sergeant and West Central Valley School Resource Officer Katie Guisinger says that they wanted to show the students what can happen when people make decisions that can be detrimental to themselves and others. Two vehicles that had already been wrecked were brought in, and four West Central Valley High School students played as the individuals in the crash.
After the mock accident, a few students gave feedback on what they saw. When asked what was something that she took away from the event, junior Abbie Belden had this to say.
“The bad decisions that we make throughout the night affect not only us, but other people as well, in the community and our classmates even.”
Senior Zoey Dickson was asked what her thoughts on having these mock accidents were, especially where it allows the student body to see what consequences could be when making choices that could be wrong or bad. She told Raccoon Valley Radio that she thought the presentation was valuable.
“I think it’s good. With all of us being in high school and, you know, exploring, doing different things, it’s good to show, like, this can happen to you if you’re not smart, and like, just don’t be dumb, pretty much.”
When it came to anything they believed peers outside of those present should know, junior Jenna Doyle shared her thoughts.
“Hold each other accountable. Ask a friend. Ask anyone. I’m sure everyone would be able to give you a ride if they’re able to.”
The Stuart Police Department, Stuart Fire Department, Stuart Rescue Crew and Menlo and Dexter Fire and Rescue all worked together to give an accurate portrayal of a response to an accident. Sergeant Guisinger was also able to work with MercyOne to have a Life Flight come to the school, and land on the softball field as if they were taking an individual to the hospital.
(NO INDIVIDUALS WERE INJURIED OR DIED IN THE MOCK ACCIDENT. MAKE UP EFFECTS WERE USED TO REPLICATE THE INJURIES.)
