What happened:
With proms and graduations just a few short months away, students at Midway High School, in Newton Grove, N.C., recently participated in a sobering demonstration from law enforcement to help drive home the importance of celebrate safely and the consequences of not doing so.
Sadly, the school has lost many students over the years to car accidents and police hope that sharing the dangers of speeding, not wearing a seat belt, driving while talking on a cell phone, texting, and drinking will help students to make safe decisions.
Police shared startling statistics with the students, like speed being the number one cause of all car accident-related deaths in Sampson County. Students also learned that car accidents are the leading cause of death among young adults ages 15 to 20.
Students also watched videos that highlighted the tragic consequences car wrecks caused by making dangerous choices can have – including fatalities, traumatic injuries and prison.
And as a visual reminder, the Grim Reaper, complete with black hooded cape and carrying a scythe, stood waiting next to a casket. Every few minutes, the sound of a car crashing could be heard and a student volunteer would walk off stage with the grim reaper as the sound of a heartbeat began to echo through the auditorium. When the heartbeat slowed to a stop, students watched as the grim reaper reappeared with the student who was now dressed in white. The student’s obituary was then read.
Outside the school, the students also were able to experience a mock car accident scene with two wrecked cars, fire trucks, rescue workers, police officers, and a hearse. Students watched as actors portrayed the victim, the person at fault, and the victim’s mother. The mother wept over her child as law enforcement arrested the drunk driver who caused the fatal accident. The mock accident ended with the victim being loaded into the hearse.
The North Carolina Injury Lawyer Perspective:
We commend Midway High School, all the law enforcement and all the volunteers that work to put together this yearly demonstration for the students and hope that all who participated will heed the warnings and stay safe. It’s heartbreaking when we report on car accidents caused by speeding, or other avoidable causes, that claim young lives.
Midland High School, Newton Grove, NC
Helpful Info:
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