Maynard Police and Fire personnel stand with students of Maynard High School following the annual mock crash, which focuses on the dangers of distracted driving. (Photo Courtesy Maynard Police) 
During the mock crash, Maynard Firefighters utilized hydraulic cutting tools to safely extract the occupants from the damaged car. (Photo Courtesy Maynard Police) 
Staff from the Fowler-Kennedy Funeral Home assist in removing the victim to simulate a death during the mock crash. (Photo Courtesy Maynard Police) 
A Maynard Police officer escorts a drama student to the police cruiser to simulate an actual arrest being made during the mock crash event. (Photo Courtesy Maynard Police) 
Maynard Police, Fire, and Schools team up to hold the annual mock crash, which educates students on the dangers of distracted driving. (Photo Courtesy Maynard Police)
MAYNARD — As the end of the school year approaches, students are getting ready to celebrate getting their drivers license, graduation, prom, and the next chapters of their lives. With this excitement, Maynard Police and Fire and Maynard Public Schools joined forces to remind students to celebrate safely.
On Friday, May 1, at Maynard High School, public safety partners and students gathered to participate in a mock crash scenario centered around the dangers of distracted driving. The demonstration included drama students portraying drivers and involved passengers of the crash.
The scenario followed students coming home from prom who were involved in a serious motor vehicle crash, involving a damaged vehicle donated by CJ’s Auto.
Maynard Police and Fire conducted a full emergency response. The response included rendering aid to ‘victims’, extricating occupants from the vehicle, and investigating the crash.
Attendees watched as the consequences of driving impaired came to fruition. They watched as their classmates, who played victims, were treated by public safety personnel. One reenactor was carried on a stretcher by first responders, then by staff of the Fowler-Kennedy Funeral Home, who also assisted.
One student was placed in handcuffs to simulate an actual arrest for distracted driving.
The partnership between Maynard School, Maynard Police and Fire, and local businesses is vital in showcasing what can and will happen in the event of a serious crash. Distracted driving is preventable, and it only takes one second of being distracted to cause a crash.
The goal is to discuss with students the dangers of distracted driving while also reminding them how to remain safe when in a vehicle, such as wearing their seatbelt, not texting or talking on the phone, and never driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and remaining cautious when operating a motor vehicle.
“Our annual mock crash allows us to partner with our public safety personnel and display a real-life scenario that showcases the dangers of distracted driving to help further educate our students as they prepare to celebrate the end of their high school careers,” said School Superintendent Brian Haas. “I would like to thank our drama students who played a key role in this performance.”
“These scenarios are what our public safety partners consistently train for. We have seen first-hand the unexpected and unfortunate consequences of what can happen to young students and our community due to distracted driving. I would like to thank Maynard Schools for allowing us to be a part of this extremely important reminder not just for students but all residents,” said Fire Chief Angela Lawless.
“Distracted driving can have serious life-threatening consequences,” Chief Christopher Troiano said. “I am proud of our officers and our partners from the fire department for assisting with this scenario. While the mock crash can be intense for all involved participants, it stands as a reminder of the dangers everyone faces when they get behind the wheel.”
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