MORRISTOWN — High school students from Hammond and Morristown attended a Mock DWI training exercise at Morristown Central Thursday, May 16. Students from both districts participated as student actors in the exercise, portraying teens who were involved in a mock crash resulting from driving under the influence of alcohol.

St. Lawrence County Emergency Services Coordination and the Morristown, Brier Hill and Hammond Fire and Ambulance Services, were joined by the St. Lawrence County sheriff's deputies, the New York State Troopers, District Judge Silver, St. Lawrence County Stop DWI, Frary’s Funeral Home, Reliable Performance and Towing, and County Coroner, Kevin Crosby to stage the event.

“Hosting the Mock DWI event at our school provided students with a powerful, firsthand experience that illustrated the serious consequences of impaired driving,” said Morristown Central School Principal, Corey Flynn. “It also fosters awareness and encourages responsible decision-making that can potentially save lives and prevent a tragedy. These types of events help students to see the lasting implications of their decisions and to safely learn what is at stake.”

Student actors, alongside emergency first responders, played out what may occur in the event of a real-life accident caused by driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol, while Matt Denner, Director of St. Lawrence County Emergency Services Coordination narrated the scene. Following the mock crash, the student audience and participants moved into the school gymnasium for a mock trial, during which the student driver was arraigned. Throughout the mock trial, District Judge Silver explained the consequences of drinking or taking drugs and driving a vehicle.

Melissa James of St. Lawrence County Stop DWI also spoke with students during the mock trial. “This young lady,” she said, referencing the student actor who portrayed the drunk driver, “would have had two friends that she ended up killing in this scenario. No amount of money, no classes, no consequences would get rid of that memory. That is something she would have to live with for the duration of her life.”

In addition to understanding the serious personal impact, students were witness to the significant resources required to respond to accidents involving injuries, entrapment, and fatalities. While a mock crash serves to deliver a critical message to students, exercises like these also provide lifelike training for emergency personnel.

Two vehicles were provided for the exercise by Reliable Performance and Towing of Gouverneur. The owner, Darren, is willing to donate vehicles to any school district interested in hosting a Mock DWI event. Reliable Performance and Towing can be reached by calling (315) 287-5045.

Student actors involved in the exercise included Walker Belile, Isabelle Woodcock, Raelee Downs, Addison Graveline and Raegan Butler from MCS, and Antwon Martin, Willow Arquitt, Grace Belknap, from HCS.