Lisbon, NY –
Students at Lisbon Central School District learned about the dangers of driving under the influence during a mock DWI exercise at the school on Thursday, May 18. Five students performed in the exercise, portraying victims and drivers involved in a drunk driving accident.
“The staged scene you are about to witness is the immediate aftermath of a head-on collision caused by a drunk driver,” said Matt Denner, St. Lawrence County Director of Emergency Services, prior to the demonstration. The students, along with emergency services personnel and first responders, acted out what can occur when someone chooses to drive under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
Lisbon Central School District was contacted by the Lisbon Fire Department member, Brad Carr, in hopes that they would be interested in hosting the event. “The Lisbon Fire Department hasn’t held an event like this since before the pandemic,” Drama Club advisor, Angela Martin, who coordinated the student actors, said. “We viewed this as an opportunity to raise awareness among students about the consequences of their choices. Ultimately, this could save lives.”
St. Lawrence County Emergency Services and the Lisbon Fire Department & Rescue squad were joined by the Ogdensburg Fire Department & Rescue Squad, Heuvelton Fire Department, the St. Lawrence County Sheriff's Department, the New York State Police, the Lisbon Town & Highway Department, and Fox & Murray Funeral Home to stage the event.
“We’d like to thank all of the agencies that participated, and a special thanks to the Lisbon Fire Department for their work to plan this event for our school community,” said high school principal, George Scoville-Upham.
Students were able to witness first-hand the significant resources required to respond to such incidents, and the amount of time that often passes from the initial collision to individuals receiving help. Denner narrated the scene as it progressed, helping students understand what was taking place, and focused on the tragic consequences of making the choice to drive under the influence.
“Don’t walk away from this exercise thinking this can’t happen to you,” Denner told students., "This can happen to anyone so please, make good decisions.”
First responders demonstrated how they use the Jaws of Life to extract individuals from vehicles, and showed students how airbags deploy. During the exercise, a LifeNet helicopter arrived, landing between the school parking lot and playground. LifeNet provides emergency transportation to individuals that require critical medical care and can make the typical two-hour drive to Syracuse in only 20 minutes.
After the demonstration, Michelle James, a representative of the Stop DWI program and Lisbon Central School graduate, spoke with students about the effects of drugs and alcohol. This presentation is James’ last before her upcoming retirement. “Alcohol, drugs - it doesn’t matter,” James said. “If you feel different, you’re driving impaired.”
Student performers were Emma Berg, Olivia Lawton, Caleigh Smith, Coby Mills, and Isaiah White.