DUI Reenactment Presents Somber Consequences Ahead of Prom and Graduation
Beech High School students got a sobering look at the impact drinking and driving could have on their future. BHS in collaboration with several emergency gencies delivered a strong message about the effects of driving under the influence and driving while distracted. Students witnessed a chaotic scene as they listened to a distressed 911 call. From there, the event unfolded with the blaring sirens of emergency vehicles as they rushed to the crash site, while students watched as first responders worked to remove victims from two different vehicles using the Jaws of Life. Once the victims were removed from the vehicle, Vanderbilt LifeFlight landed a helicopter on the occer field to help the injured.
The realistic simulation aimed to drive home the devastating consequences of impaired driving, highlighting the potential loss of life and the serious legal ramifications that can result from such actions.
In addition to the simulation, students had the opportunity to hear from a guest speaker - Beech Elementary retired teacher Debbie McCrary who lost her daughter, Megan, after a 19-year old drunk driver ran a stop sign crashing into her daughter. Megan graduated from BHS in 2000 and was an all-star athlete who excelled on and off the field. She was a senior at Middle Tennessee State University and was home for winter break when she was killed days before Christmas in 2004. McCrary delivered a powerful speech to students about the loss of her daughter and the legal ramifications the drunk driver faced.
The mock crash at Beech High School serves as a poignant reminder to students about the severe consequences of drinking and driving. It is a powerful educational tool that helps students understand the potential devastation that can result from impaired driving, and underscores the importance of making responsible choices behind the wheel.
Beech DECA partnered with BITZ, Be in the Zone, a program at Vanderbilt to bring more awareness to Beech High School students about the effects of distracted driving and driving under the influence. Multiple agencies that helped with today's reenactment include Shackle Island Fire Department, Hendersonville Fire Department (TN) - Official Site, Sumner County EMS, Vanderbilt LifeFlight, Tennessee Highway Patrol and Sumner County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you to all of our first responders who answer the call every day. We appreciate you!
Click HERE to view pictures of the event.