Photo 1 Visual reminders of the effects of driving under the influence of alcohol can leave an indelible impression, especially on a young person. That was the hope of organizers of the Every 15 Minutes program presented to sophomores, juniors and seniors last week at Delphi Community High School.

The program, initiated in Los Angeles and now a part of schools nationwide, was presented by local students, parents, past participants and emergency service personnel.

The goal of the program is to vigorously demonstrate to students the effects of drunk driving on themselves, friends, family and even strangers.

A student was summoned from a class every 15 minutes as part of the program to demonstrate the frequency of alcohol-related traffic deaths in America. When students left the classrooms, their obituaries, prepared by their parents, were then read out loud to the class by a police officer as a reminder of the tragic truth of the ordeal.

A significant component of the program was student participation in a mock crash scene in the school parking lot.

Students solemnly looked on as classmates involved in the crash were assisted by emergency personnel (see photos 1 and 2).

Photo 2 As is true with approximately 25,000 people each year, some "victims" did not survive. This was represented by the "grim reaper" standing near a student in one of the vehicles who "died" at the scene (photo 3).

Wearing goggles that simulated the lack of coordination experienced by those under the influence of alcohol, the "drunk driver" was placed in custody (photo 4) by police.

The morning after the mock crash, students assembled for a video presentation of the events they witnessed, filmed on-site by a professional video company and edited overnight.

Students also gathered in the Little Theatre to pay last respects to students who died in the crash. They laid flowers on caskets donated by Reinke and Abbott funeral homes.

Students and parents involved in the mock crash met later that night at Camp Tecumseh. There, they wrote letters to each other, stating things they would have said to each other had they known their time together would be cut short.

Photo 3 Coordinator Steve Mullin of Carroll County Sheriff's Office said the program did not stop with the crash, rescue and arrest. A chaplain and officer visited the "deceased" students' homes to inform their parents of their deaths.

He said even though parents are involved in the process, including giving permission for their child to participate, the effect is still powerful.

Mullin said the event leaves a lasting impression on everyone involved. He said participants go through four months of preparation including classes and counseling.

"It is a unique program that sends a strong message to students and their families," Mullin said.

Photos by Lori Welk, PPA Certified, M. Photog

Photo 4