BHS's 'Project CRASH’ warns of the danger of drinking and driving

Barnegat Township, Nj - Barnegat High School (BHS) will stage a simulated motor vehicle crash for the senior class aimed at raising awareness about the dangers of driving under the influence. The mock simulation is being held just before senior prom, on Thursday, May 16 at 9:45 a.m.

According to the National Highway Traffic Administration, one in three alcohol-related teen traffic fatalities will occur during and after prom. "Project CRASH" will dramatize the aftermath of a hypothetical car crash involving students who have been drinking, illustrating the life-altering consequences of such reckless behavior. The depiction will feature realistic scenarios portrayed by student actors. To support those who may find the experience challenging, counseling staff will be available onsite after the event. Additionally, a question-and-answer session will be held to facilitate further discussion and understanding.

BHS currently offers drivers ed courses during 10th grade and just recently hosted Arrive Alive for the junior class, another distracted driving initiative. While similar messaging, Project CRASH is a live-action accident performance as opposed to the interactive Arrive Alive simulation.

The event took approximately five months of planning from start to finish with the help of BHS Principal Patrick Magee, BHS Vice Principal Frank Pannullo, BHS teacher/Bengal Theatre Company advisor Kerry Bollenbach, BHS School Resource Officer of the Barnegat Police Department Officer Brian Weber, as well as Barnegat Police Department’s Mike Moore and Julie Moore, Barnegat Fire Department’s Mike Morrison, Barnegat First Aid’s Jennifer Tompkins and Joseph Solda of Hackensack Meridian Health.