Mock accident encourages Prom Promise

Students at Federal Hocking High School, in Stewart, spent Friday learning about the consequences of drunk driving.

Seniors at the high school performed a demonstration during school to encourage students to sign up for Prom Promise, said Jane Linscott, senior class advisor. Prom Promise is a national campaign getting students to pledge not to drink and drive on prom night.

Six seniors acted out the aftermath of a mock car accident.

"I think it was very effective," Linscott said. "Some of the kids were crying. It hit home with some of them

Several organizations helped to make the demonstration possible. The Rome and Coolville fire departments each sent a truck, and a MedFlight helicopter flew in from Columbus. Additionally, Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers and a local salvage company provided two wrecked vehicles, Linscott said.

As the state troopers decribed what would happen at a typical accident scene, officers used the Jaws of Life to cut off the roof of a car, Linscott said. In the mock accident one girl "died," one was taken to the hospital in the helicopter and a "drunk driver" was arrested.

- Kim Smith