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'This is not entertainment'

| 24 May 2018 | 06:09
    Photos by Roger Gavan Warwick Valley High School students had front row seats Tuesday morning, May 2, during mock automobile crash in the parking lot between the high school and the middle school. The crash was meant to show students that their decisions matter.
    Photos by Roger Gavan Warwick Valley High School students had front row seats Tuesday morning, May 2, during mock automobile crash in the parking lot between the high school and the middle school. The crash was meant to show students that their decisions matter.
    Firefighters were soon in action using the “jaws of life” equipment to cut through jammed doors and free those who were trapped in the vehicles.
    Firefighters were soon in action using the “jaws of life” equipment to cut through jammed doors and free those who were trapped in the vehicles.
    Emergency Medical Service (EMS) responders treated the bleeding occupants on the ground.
    Emergency Medical Service (EMS) responders treated the bleeding occupants on the ground.
    SADD Advisor Raymond Mark with SAAD President and Mock Crash organizer Emma Davis, a graduating senior.
    SADD Advisor Raymond Mark with SAAD President and Mock Crash organizer Emma Davis, a graduating senior.

WARWICK — The goal was to show students at Warwick Valley High School the dangers of drinking and driving, drugged driving or distracted driving in hopes that they learn what really happens when people become victims in a car crash.
On Tuesday morning, May 22, the entire student body assembled on the hill facing the parking area between the high school and middle school.
They were looking down on two vehicles, each carrying volunteers who would soon play victims in a mock car crash organized by the school's chapter of SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions.)
"This is not entertainment," cautioned SAAD Advisor Raymond Mark, "and it's not funny."
Crash, screams, sirensSuddenly, there was a loud crash followed by screams for help.
Then came the distant sounds of sirens followed by the arrival of police and rescue vehicles with flashing lights.
Firefighters were soon in action using the "jaws of life" equipment to cut through jammed doors and free those who were trapped in the vehicles.
Emergency Medical Service (EMS) responders treated the bleeding occupants on the ground, and then wheeled the seriously injured, perhaps those in critical condition, to waiting ambulances. And sadly, they also covered two bodies.
'Decisions matter'"The crash," said SAAD President and Mock Crash organizer Emma Davis, a graduating senior, "is meant to show students that their decisions matter, and to always make the right choice. The crash will show the results of distracted driving. Students Against Destructive Decisions hopes that this mock crash will have a positive impact on high school students of all ages."
SADD is primarily concerned with promoting smart decisions and positive behaviors.
Mark, who teaches mathematics, explained that the 12 student members at Warwick High meet every Monday during lunch to discuss different projects that hopefully make a difference.
"We have attended the Red Ribbon Week Kickoff ceremony, visited with students at the Middle School to discuss the effects of vaping, and numerous other events this year," he said.
The members are hopeful the demonstration convinced the huge student audience that risky behavior while driving can have dire consequences.
- Roger Gavan