Every year Central Kitsap High School hosts a Mock Crash. The Mock Crash is a simulated scene of an accident which entails car crashes, injuries, and fatalities. Staff and students act as victims to the crash and carry out the preceding steps that would be taken at the scene of an accident. This is shown to Central Kitsap High School seniors to try and raise awareness of the harmful consequences of distracted driving and driving under the influence.

Although it’s a spine-chilling thought, accidents and collisions happen. The idea behind the Mock Crash is to give students a sense of reality and help them realize how their actions can affect their peers, loved ones, and fellow individuals in the local community.

“I think the Mock Crash shows students an accident that is supposed to help students understand the consequences of driving under the influence,” stated Senior Reece Wood

Students seem to understand the basic idea behind the Mock Crash. Many expressed their views stating that it really brings light to the consequences of driving under the influence.  The Mock Crash is a powerful learning experience and hopefully can persuade students to make safe and responsible choices.

“Yeah I feel like it’s definitely a giant reality check. Sometimes kids get too confident and almost feel invincible. The Mock Crash does a good job simulating the worst case scenario and allows us see what could unfortunately occur if certain choices are made” stated Wood.

On Wed, May 30 at The Fairgrounds The Mock Crash occurred. It started off with Co-Principal Craig Johnson reading a speech that raised awareness to the consequences of  distracted driving and driving under the influence. It also described the effects that similar incidents have on the community.

As the Mock Crash began students were hit with the harsh reality of the collision. Emotions began to sink in as the Fire Department, Police Officers, and coreners arrived on the scene.

“Yes it really was an emotional experience. It was really erie to see our friends in the simulated crash. It was executed superbly and the acting just seemed natural, like not overly rehearsed. They went with what happened and it felt really real you could tell the students were   confused and worried, it really hit deep,” Stated Evan Van Pelt.

One of the biggest factors that plays into the emotional experience of the Mock Crash is the fact that the you knew and had relationships with the students in the crash.

“It puts everything into perspective you begin to imagine yourself, friends, and families in a similar situation and it really becomes really emotional,” stated Van Pelt.

The timing of the Mock Crash is crucial as well. The Mock Crash is showed the week before Prom so students can grasp the consequences and side effects of poor and unfortunate decisions.

“The Mock Crash was timed perfectly it really brought light to issues at prime timing especially with Prom and Graduation approaching,” Stated Van Pelt.

Additionally Van Pelt stated the benefits of seeing the crash simulation “Although we are told and read about incidents like this ever too frequently, seeing the visual repercussions of a collision really changes the view of students. I think it provokes students to plan to keep themselves and their peers safe.”

The intent of the Mock Crash is to help individuals make smart and responsible decisions for longer than just Prom weekend and Graduation. This can ensure safety for you and your community.

“I personally believe it would be even more beneficial to show the Mock Crash before homecoming and other large events. I understand the cost and amount of work is enormous, but I think it would be able to help reach the target 0 (A goal to have 0 casualties in Washington State and Kitsap County due to driving under the influence.) as there are many Sophomores and Juniors who are driving that would benefit from seeing a Mock Crash,” stated Van Pelt.

Overall the majority of students were impacted by the Mock Crash in someway. A lot of students stated that the crash invoked thoughts of similar incidents happening to them, friends, or families. These thoughts lead to thoughts of possible tactics to avoid collisions.  

“Hearing the story about a daughter losing her mother in a DUI accident really touched me. It truly made me appreciate my family and how lucky I am to have them,” stated Senior Logan Field.

The Mock Crash generally changes one’s mentality. Although we hear our parents, family members, teachers tell you not to drive under the influence or text and drive seeing the Mock Crash simulation and collision really turns those words into a reality and you can clearly see the negative consequences.
So as Prom weekend and Graduation approaches stay safe on the roads don’t speed, don’t use your phone, don’t drive under the influence or ride with someone who is. As cliche as it sounds the decisions you make affect the rest of your life and others. Don’t put yourself or others in danger, Cougs.