THATCHER — On Thursday, the Graham County Substance Abuse Coalition conducted its mock DUI crash at John Mickelson Field on the Thatcher campus of Eastern Arizona College, showing high schoolers the repercussions of drinking and driving.
Coalition director Kathy Grimes said she believes the message was well received.
“I truly believe that they were listening,” Grimes said. “You couldn’t hear a pin drop, especially when Mrs. Smith was up there and Mr. Perkins.
“So I hope they heard every message that was sent out to them, and they take those messages and make good choices.”
The students from the Safford, Thatcher, Pima and Fort Thomas school districts watched as first responders show what happens in a multiple-vehicle accident resulting from inebriated driving, in all its gory detail.
Youth actors, engaged by the House of Hope Sober Living Facility, portrayed the underaged drunk drivers, with make-up to simulate injuries and death.
“I think it’s very important to let people know to not drunk drive, and to wear their seat belts,” said actor Emily Urista.
After the simulation, the students were informed by Chief Deputy County Attorney Allan Perkins of the consequences of being a drunk driver, including years of medical procedures, loss of income due to court-mandated restitution and prison time.
First responders participating included the Police Departments of Pima, Safford, Thatcher and the University of Arizona; Pima and Thatcher Fire Departments; LifeNet; and AirEvac.
