Authorities Simulate DUI Crash​ At Helix Charter High School

LA MESA, CA — A simulated drunk driving collision will be conducted Wednesday at Helix Charter High School as part of the "Every 15 Minutes" program.

The crash will be staged shortly before 10:30 a.m. on Highlander Way in La Mesa, according to the California Highway Patrol.

The two-day program demonstrates to high school students the impact drinking and driving has on friends, families and their community, according to the CHP.

The first day of the program highlights a simulated traffic crash involving an impaired teenage driver and a fatally injured victim. The event includes emergency responses from police, fire, ambulance, medical helicopter, coroner and tow truck companies. The program will conclude with a mock funeral and assembly for students on Thursday.

"During the mock crash, there will be a high concentration of emergency vehicles in the area," the CHP said. "We would like to ensure that the public is aware this is a mock emergency incident, and that no real emergency exists."

The mock crash will take place for about an hour. Highlander Way will be closed for several hours to allow the scene to be set up and broken down.

The event is conducted by the CHP, with support from the La Mesa Police Department, Heartland Fire Department, Reach Air Medical Services, San Diego District Attorney's Office, Sharp Memorial Hospital, Featheringill Mortuary and others.

Funding for the program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.