Car Accident Simulation Warns Teens

Prom season is officially underway. While the girls are dress shopping and the boys are finding creative ways to ask for a date, Massapequa High School is reminding all seniors about the dangers of driving under the influence.

The high school partnered with the Massapequa Fire Department and the Nassau County Police Department, and conducted an extremely realistic motor vehicle accident simulation on the school’s football field as a way to shock more than 1,200 juniors and seniors into avoiding dangerous behaviors that could put their lives at risk.

“We want you to see the agony and anguish firefighters go through every day so you don’t make a decision that could be fatal,” said Massapequa Fire Chief Gerard Keuchler to the crowd.

The biennial event, first brought to Massapequa High School five years ago, consists of a staged, two-car auto accident involving an intoxicated driver and multiple victims. But what makes this demonstration unique is that there are no dummies involved. Instead, members of the high school’s drama department and the Massapequa Fire Department Juniors played the victims. One ends up on the hood of a car, DOA, while the driver staggers out of the car, clearly under the influence.

The fire department handles extrication, patient care and removal of victims utilizing heavy rescue vehicles and the Jaws of Life, while the police department simulates a DWI test and subsequent arrest. An NCPD helicopter landing simulates a medical evacuation from the scene.

“We do everything we can to make it as real as possible so students can make the right choices…so they call their parents and say they need help when they are in a situation that puts them at risk,” said firefighter Stuart Paolino, who coordinates the event with Keuchler. “We saved a life today.”

Principal Dr. Barbara Williams reiterated the importance of making positive decisions, noting three classmates from her graduating class lost their lives.

“You don’t want to be in a position where you are mourning your friends, your classmates or your family members,” she said. “The prom is on June 12 and graduation is on June 22. We want you to be present at these events and we want you to be healthy.”

Superintendent of the Massapequa School District, Lucille F. Iconis stated that “the simulation, along with consistent reinforcement of the importance of healthy choices, is an invaluable opportunity to positively impact our students in our fight against DWI and other destructive decisions.”