Photos: Maynard Police Conduct Mock OUI Crash With Fatality, Arrest, to Teach Students About Motor Vehicle Safety

For Immediate Release

Tuesday, May 6, 2014

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 978-841-9948
Email: john@jgpr.net

Maynard Police and Fire Simulate Fatal OUI Crash to Teach Motor Vehicle Safety to High School Students

Safe and Healthy Prom Season Urged

MAYNARD — Police Chief Mark W. Dubois and Fire Chief Anthony Stowers announce that the Maynard Police and Fire Departments recently conducted a simulation of a fatal drunk driving motor vehicle crash in front of an audience of more than 200 Maynard High School juniors and seniors. The department’s simple goal is teaching automotive safety to students by showing what can actually happen when teens drink and drive, text and drive, or fail to wear their seat belt.

“As prom season approaches, we want our students to have fun, be healthy, and stay safe. It starts with buckling your seat belt when you leave the house, and it ends with arrive home safely at the end of the night,” Chief Dubois said. “Put the cell phones away and never drink and drive. Prom and graduation are about making lasting, positive memories.”

The simulation was managed by Police Detective William Duggan and Fire Captain Sean Kiley and it also served as a valuable training exercise for Maynard Police and Fire officials. Two previously-crashed cars were brought in, with student actors playing the victims and suspect.

“We want all of our children in Maynard to stay safe and healthy. We hope that this simulation is as real as it gets this prom season,” Chief Stowers said.

Maynard high school students listened to an audio conversation between the actors right before the crash. There was a simulated fire, and Maynard Firefighters and Paramedics from Emerson Hospital arrived to rescue the victims.

One of the student actors “died” at the scene, and the driver of one of the vehicles was “arrested” for operating under the influence. Parents were also brought in as actors to “react” to their children being injured, arrested, or dying.

Finally, a hearse arrived and carried away the body of the deceased. Firefighters and Public Works crews cleaned blood off the road and towed the crashed cars away.

“I try to make this as realistic as possible,” Detective Duggan said. “Only the actors are faking it. As for the rest of what the students saw? They’s what we actually do during a fatal car accident, and we do not want to have to do it this year for a student who was drunk or texting behind the wheel. It does not have to happen in real life.”

The simulation took place on Friday, May 2 at 9 a.m. at the Maynard High School football field.