Through a mock accident demonstration, local emergency services and volunteers brought to life the harsh realities that can result from impaired driving.

The event, organized annually, aims to raise awareness among young drivers by showing firsthand the critical roles played by emergency responders at the scene of a serious crash. Using staged wrecked vehicles, student participants, and dramatic rescue efforts, the mock scenario highlighted just how quickly lives can change with one poor decision.

“The goal is to drive home the message that drinking and driving has real, devastating consequences,” said organizers from the Warren County Sheriff’s Office, who helped coordinate the event. “It’s a sobering experience for everyone involved.”

Agencies taking part included the Warren City Fire Department, Youngsville Borough Volunteer Fire Department, Pleasant Volunteer Fire Department, Glade Volunteer Fire Department, Starbrick Volunteer Fire Department, Warren City Police Department, Youngsville Borough Police Department, Warren County Communications, Emergycare, Warren County Coroner, Melissa Zydonik, Nelson Funeral Home, Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home, James Leonard, Warren County Victim Impact Panel, Warren City DPW for moving bleachers and setting up the area for students, Koebley Towing and Recovery for providing and transporting the wrecked vehicles, Kinzua Youth Development Center for providing space for the students’ moulage (special effects makeup), Warren County Probation, Warren County SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions)

Photo submitted to the Times Observer Pictured are the students watching the mock accident.

Student volunteers also played an important role in the demonstration, bravely acting out the tragic aftermath of a crash: WAHS Participants: Samantha Caudill, Alyssa Wismar, Lindsay Madigan, and Assistant Principal Matt Madigan (Parent), YHS Participants: Mikey Carnahan, Hunter Crabtree, Madeline Johnson, Kiana Stanbro, and Greg Stanbro (Parent)

For more information on efforts to promote safe driving among teens, follow the Warren County Sheriff’s Office on Facebook or visit your local SADD chapter.

Photo submitted to the Times Observer Pictured are Warren Police questioning one of the students during the mock accident.