Friday's mock crash scene was a stark reminder of the dangers of distracted and drunk driving for students at Wessington Springs High School.
On the verge of prom season, first responders planned the event to not only discuss the risks of distracted and impaired driving with students but to also drive home the importance of seatbelt use. “Seatbelts save lives,” said Jerauld County Sheriff Jason Weber in a school assembly held prior to the mock accident demonstrating two contrasting crash scenarios. “You’re going to see some very different outcomes based on who buckled up and who didn’t.”
Just before calling 911 dispatchinHurontodeploy area first responders to the mock accident scene, Wessington Springs Fire first responders reviewed 911 protocol with middle and high school students.
• Don’t run from the scene
• Don’t share on social media
• The most important thing to do if you’re in an accident is to call 911 First responders also touted the importance of staying on the line with 911 dispatch, as it helps first responders locate those in need of help.
Students watched as first responders loaded “victims” into an ambulance and cut vehicles apart to extricate the student actors inside.
Dozens of first responders from the Alpena and Wessington Springs Volunteer Fire Departments, Jerauld County Ambulance, and Jerauld County Sheriff’s Office were on scene at the mock accident, which also served as a training exercise for area emergency personnel.
