On Tuesday May 29th, 2018, the members of the Coatesville Area Senior High School SADD program in partnership with local emergency responder agencies held a “mock crash’ at the high school. The students were able to see what happens when they make a destructive decision while driving. This particular mock crash was set up as a drunk driving event and students participated in the event for their classmates.

From the SADD website:
“For more than 30 years, SADD has been committed to empowering young people to lead education and prevention initiatives in their schools and communities. Founded as Students Against Driving Drunk in 1981 in Wayland, Massachusetts, SADD has grown to become the nation’s leading peer-to-peer youth education and prevention organization with thousands of chapters in middle schools, high schools, and colleges. In 1997, in response to requests from SADD students themselves, SADD expanded its mission and its name and now sponsors chapters called Students Against Destructive Decisions. SADD continues to endorse a firm “No Use” message related to use of alcohol and other drugs. With its expanded focus, SADD now highlights prevention of all destructive behaviors and attitudes that are harmful to young people, including traffic safety, substance abuse, and an array of issues dealing with personal health and safety.”

Members of the Thorndale Volunteer Fire Company responded to the scene of the “crash” and found two vehicles in an apparent head-on collision with one fatality in each vehicle caused by the drunk driver. Thorndale worked along side the VA Fire Department, CASH Police Department, Washington Hose Company Ambulance team, Medic 93 from the Brandywine Hospital and the Caln Township Police Department. Crews showed the students exactly what happens when people make destructive decisions. After the demonstration was complete, all in attendance retired to the school auditorium to listen to a brief presentation from the crews involved as well as from two teens that had themselves been involved in a serious crash back in February 2013.

We would like to thank the following individuals who contributed to this event:
Shannon McSweeney from Smac Photography for providing all the great photos from the event. You may find more pictures from Shannon on the Smac Photography Facebook page.
Darryl Fling with Flings Towing for providing the vehicles for the event.
Candy Vigorita with All State insurance in Downingtown for providing 500 teen safety driving brochures that were handed out.
The Coatesville Area High School for allowing this event to happen.