Mock Crash And Funeral Aim To Highlight Dangers Of Drinking And Driving
Oak Hills, California (High Desert News Online) – Over a two day period, Oak Hills High School has been the site of a dramatic and impactful event aimed at educating students about the devastating consequences of driving under the influence. The California Highway Patrol (CHP), in partnership with Oak Hills High School and various local agencies, brought the “Every 15 Minutes” program to life through a simulated DUI-related crash and mock funeral. This emotional program is designed to challenge high school juniors and seniors to think critically about their decisions regarding alcohol, driving, and personal safety.
Realistic Simulation to Drive Home a Critical Message
The program began on Thursday, April 3rd, with a staged car crash behind Oak Hills High
Every 15 Min Oak Hills High School 3
School at approximately 10:00 a.m. Emergency responders—including police officers, firefighters, paramedics, and even a coroner—reacted to the scene as if it were an authentic accident. The simulation involved an impaired teenage driver and a fatally injured victim, portraying the tragic aftermath of drunk driving. The event lasted for an hour, but road closures around the school extended for several hours to accommodate setup and breakdown.
The realism of the mock crash was designed to evoke strong emotions among students. Witnessing emergency personnel working on what appeared to be a life-or-death situation gave attendees a visceral understanding of the consequences of impaired driving. This was followed by somber reflections during day two of the program—a mock funeral held during a student assembly on Friday, April 4th. The simulated funeral reinforced the gravity of losing loved ones due to preventable choices.
Community Collaboration for Safety Awareness
The Every 15 Minutes program relies on collaboration between schools and community organizations. At Oak Hills High School, this initiative involved not only CHP but also the San Bernardino County Police Department, Fire Department, Apple Valley Sheriff’s Office, Hesperia Unified School District, G&M Towing, and other local partners. Funding for this impactful event was provided through a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety via the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, with additional support from Oak Hills High School’s Associated Student Body (ASB).
Why “Every 15 Minutes”?
The program’s name is rooted in sobering statistics from the early 1990s when someone in
The United States died in an alcohol-related traffic collision every 15 minutes. While progress has been made—now every 22 minutes someone dies due to drunk driving—the numbers remain unacceptable. Programs like Every 15 Minutes aim to reduce these fatalities further by fostering awareness and encouraging safer decisions among young drivers.
Emotional Experience That Leaves a Lasting Impact
Students who participated or observed described the experience as deeply moving. Many shared that they felt as though they were witnessing real-life tragedy unfold before them. This emotional intensity is intentional; it serves as a wake-up call for teens who often feel invincible or disconnected from such risks. By confronting them with realistic scenarios, Every 15 Minutes opens their eyes to how their choices can ripple through their families, friends, and communities.
A Message for Students and Families
Officer Wheeler from CHP emphasized that this program is not just for students but also for parents and community members. “We hope this message resonates beyond the school walls,” Wheeler said. “It’s about protecting our kids and ensuring that no family has to endure the pain of losing someone to drunk driving.”
Looking Ahead
Oak Hills High School’s participation in Every 15 Minutes underscores its commitment to student safety and community well-being. As students return to their daily routines after this powerful event, organizers hope they carry its lessons with them—making responsible choices that can save lives.
For media inquiries regarding Every 15 Minutes or bringing this program to other schools, contact Officer Wheeler at the San Bernardino County Office of CHP.
Key Takeaways:
-
Every 15 Minutes is a two-day educational program targeting high school juniors and seniors.
-
It includes a simulated DUI crash followed by a mock funeral.
-
The initiative aims to reduce alcohol-related incidents among youth through emotional engagement.
-
Collaboration between schools and local agencies is critical for its success.
-
Funding comes from state grants and local school resources.
Oak Hills High School hopes this program will inspire students to speak up against drunk driving and make safer choices—for themselves and their communities.
