Keystone Oaks Holds Mock DUI-Prom Crash Drill

It wasn't real—this time.

A head-on collision. A teenager drinking behind the wheel. His passenger dead. His friends injured.

Police officers and firefighters from Dormont, Mount Lebanon, Castle Shannon and Green Tree, along with Medical Rescue Team South Authority and the Allegheny County Medical Examiner's office, put on a demonstration for Keystone Oaks' high school students on the dangers of drinking and driving.

The first part included an in-school presentation about the dangers of distracted driving, be it drinking, texting, talking on the phone or eating.

But what really appeared to drive the risks home was the mock crash—a week before the prom.

Claire Barbetti, who had to identify her "dead" son, Anthony Barbetti, said it was "completely horrible."

"The drill is for a really great purpose, but seeing one's child in that condition, there's really no words for it," she said.

While some students may brush the mock drill aside, Barbetti said, "I'm sure there's a percentage who might think twice and put a seat belt on or get a designated driver."

Mount Lebanon Cpl. James Hughes urged students to "take something from this" at the end of the program. Actions have consequences, he said.

"We wouldn't do it if we didn't think we weren't reaching anyone," he said.

Angela Schad, an 11th grader and vice president of Students Against Destructive Decisions, thought the drill served a purpose.

"Even if it affects even one person, it's worthwhile," she said.