Student performers were Emma Berg, Olivia Lawton, Caleigh Smith, Coby Mills, and Isaiah White. Photo submitted.

LISBON — 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 volunteer firefighters, 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.”

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.”