Mock Crash at Quaker Valley Encourages Prom Safety

Prom is supposed to be a time to remember for juniors and seniors, who put a great deal into making the evening special. Students spend weeks preparing for the event, finding that perfect dress or tuxedo, the right hairdo and flowers, and the perfect car.

The evening spent with friends and classmates is supposed to be memorable and fun. But if a student acts irresponsibly, such as mixing drinking and driving, the night can be stained with regretful memories in a second.

Quaker Valley High School will conduct a Students Against Drunk Driving drill at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday as part of a student’s personal project to warn students about the dangers of drunk driving.

The staged mock accident will take place in the  parking lot and is being put on by Andrew Scalercio, a sophomore and volunteer with  Fire Co. in Sewickley.

Martha Smith, district spokeswoman, warns local residents, passing motorists and other who happen to be in the area of the campus tomorrow morning that this is a mock accident.

“It will appear to be a true emergency, but it is only a drill,” Smith said.

The simulated crash was planned in advance of the May 13 prom and graduation.

This year 10,839 people will die in crashes caused by drunk drivers - one fatality every 50 minutes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

In addition to drinking and driving, officials say, texting while driving also has become an important issue because it distracts drivers.

 Chief Jim Santucci said it’s important for students to understand the dangers of alcohol use while behind the wheel. 

The Leetsdale Police Department will take part in the mock crash, along with other local firefighters, police, emergency medical services and medical helicopter services.