OSWEGO COUNTY –The Oswego County Sheriff’s Office, District Attorney’s Office, STOP-DWI Program, Emergency Management Office, and E-911 Communications Center joined forces with local partners to host a Mock-DWI crash for students of Altmar-Parish-Williamstown (APW) Junior/Senior High School to teach them about the dangers of distracted and impaired driving.
“Prom season is here, and with it comes an increase in instances of impaired driving,” said Oswego County STOP-DWI Coordinator David Hall. “It’s important for students to learn about the risks of distracted driving and driving under the influence. Mock-DWI scenarios are a great way for teenagers to see what can happen if they don’t follow safe driving practices. Through these exercises, we educate them about keeping themselves and others safe by having a plan, staying focused on the road while driving and never operating a vehicle while under the influence.”
Oswego County District Attorney Anthony J. DiMartino, Jr. added, “Driving while intoxicated or impaired can have detrimental outcomes, including death. DWI is a serious charge, and the consequences of a vehicular manslaughter charge are even more severe. Both charges inevitably would have long-lasting impacts on a person’s life. Death by intoxicated and/or impaired driving is 100% preventable, and it’s crucial that everyone takes the necessary steps to stay safe and sober on the roads.”
The Mock-DWI exercise consisted of a two-vehicle crash caused by a driver intoxicated by alcohol and possibly impaired by drugs, resulting in the death of a student. Students from the APW Student Government portrayed the drivers and passengers involved in the crash. Law enforcement, fire departments and ambulance companies responded as they would for a real car crash.
During the scenario, students watched as emergency crews worked to stabilize their peers and load them into ambulances. Law enforcement officials questioned the driver suspected of being under the influence, conducted tests and ultimately arrested the driver. The Oswego County District Attorney and an investigator from the Oswego County Sheriff’s Office then worked together to declare the unresponsive victim dead, and a hearse from the Harter Funeral Home arrived to transport the victim away.
The event continued inside the school’s auditorium, where there was a simulation of the arraignment of the student driver charged with DWI and vehicular manslaughter. A call to the deceased victim’s family informing them of the death was also portrayed, and a funeral was held for the dead student.
Participants of the Mock-DWI exercise included the Oswego County Sheriff’s Office; McFee Ambulance; APW High School Student Government; fire departments from Altmar, Parish, Williamstown and West Amboy; NOCA Ambulance; New York State Police; The Oswego County District Attorney’s Office; Oswego County E-911 Communications Center; Oswego County Emergency Management Office; The Oswego County STOP-DWI Program; and Harter Funeral Home.
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