Driving in a Better Lane

By: Kathryn Heffernon

     Sponsored by City of Mesa, Red Mountain had a mock crash activity on March 7 for the student body to promote safe driving. When students entered the stadium, they saw a vehicle on the field covered with a sheet. A few minutes later, the car was uncovered and the scene of a car accident was revealed. Looks of astonishment filled students’ faces as City of Mesa Fire, Police and Medical Departments came on the scene and did their individual tasks.

     “We wanted kids to think about the responsibility they take on when they get behind the wheel of a car,” said Principal Dr. Slemmer. “The whole point of the mock crash activity was to save lives. Even if only one life is saved, it was worthwhile. “

     The Mesa Fire and Medical Department, along with eight other agencies, showed a crash scene, demonstrated the steps taken by each agency and explained the effects that the crash would have on each individual involved. Duties performed included putting one student in a body bag, cutting trapped individuals out of the car with the “jaws of life” and arresting the driver. To make a greater impact on students, the car crash participants were hand-picked Red Mountain students.

     “The activity was a sobering reality,” said mock crash participant senior Nicholas Bieberdorf. “We are only on earth for a short amount of time; we shouldn’t destroy our lives by making bad decisions.”

     Representatives from City of Mesa explained the car crash was caused by an impaired individual driving illegally. His foolish decision caused one fatality, wounded individuals, his arrest and grief for family members and friends.

     “The program included first-hand experience on scenes and real pictures to show what can happen when students do not make good decisions when driving,” said Michele Long, the Driver’s Safety Program coordinator for the Mesa Fire and Medical Department. “We want everyone to understand how deadly the consequences can be for them and others.”

     The event was planned months in advance. Red Mountain had to coordinate with the City of Mesa and Mesa Public Schools, along with the private companies such as the one that provided the helicopter.

     “There were several pieces that had to come together in order for the activity to run smoothly,” said Assistant Principal Mr. Marks. “Our hope was that it changed the way students thought about driving while impaired.”