A sobering, grim reality

It only takes seconds for lives to be ruined.
Screams of horror, blood, lifeless bodies, mangled cars and rescuers frantically working set the stage for that harsh reality to be driven home to teenagers at Medford High School last Wednesday morning. It was all part of a mock car crash used to illustrate the dangers of drinking and driving just before the prom and graduation seasons.
During the demonstration, area emergency workers rescued six victims, one of which died and was taken away in a hearse. Another victim died en route to the hospital via medical helicopter.
Senior Nick Olson said the funeral home portion of the crash with the hearse profoundly touched him. “They had the person in a body bag,” Olson said. “It was creepy and scary knowing that it could be you going in a funeral car.”
Another senior, Aly Noble, described the mock crash as a “real eye opening experience.” Noble’s best friend was the one who portrayed the victim who died during the crash. 
“It taught me to be more safe behind the wheel,” Noble said. “They made it seem like real life. It gave me the chills to watch it,” she added.
The entire demonstration lasted about 54 minutes, which rescue workers attempted to do in real time of what it takes for serious injury crashes. During the crash, students sat quietly taking in the grim realities associated with drunken driving and other risky driving behaviors.
“Drunken driving can affect you,” said Miguel Ruiz, a senior. “It really opened my eyes that a lot of teenagers think we’re invincible and it all can change in a matter of seconds.”
Ruiz has personal knowledge of the ramifications caused by drunk drivers. His father, Leopol, has been going about life in a wheelchair after being left paralyzed by a drunk driver 10 years ago in Minneapolis. 
Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) students Mary Schalm, Brittney Lemke, Steph Choudek, Balie MacIntosh, Katie Chester and Kyra Rahn portrayed the crash victims. Choudek acted as the drunk driver and was led away in handcuffs by a sheriff’s deputy.
Along with SADD, the educational effort was coordinated by the Steele County Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff Lon Thiele challenged the students to think before they act and make the right choice, especially during the upcoming prom season. 
“I think it made a difference,” Thiele said of the mock crash. “This isn’t a joking matter. We hope we have taught you something that will stay with you for your whole life,” he told the students.
After the crash, students watched a graphic video from the State Patrol about families who have been impacted by risky driving behaviors like drunk driving, distracted driving involving texting and operating in a careless manner. 
Sgt. Travis Boetel of the State Patrol told the teenagers that the incidents should be referred to as crashes and not accidents. “They are violent and can be prevented,” he said. “Take driving seriously.”
Besides law enforcement, other agencies that assisted in the mock crash were Medford Fire, Gold Cross Ambulance, North Aircare and Medford Funeral Home.