Palm Desert High School Stages Mock Drunk Driving Accident

A Medi-Vac team landed in the middle of Palm Desert High School’s football field on Tuesday. It was part of an elaborate project that gave students a crash course on the results of drunk driving.

It’s known as “Every 15 Minutes.” Statistics say one person dies every 15 minutes from an alcohol-related accident.

“It’s scary,” said senior Sydney Werry, “because you’re thinking ‘Are you going to make it home OK? Are you going to crash? Am I going to see you tomorrow?'”

Werry was one of dozens of students chosen to participate in the simulation. This was their moment to make an impact on their classmates, especially with Spring Break and the prom coming up.

“They’re becoming adults now that they’re getting their drivers licenses,” said Officer Kevin Cole, who also served as the project’s coordinator. “If an adult can make a bad choice or mistake, it’s easy for a young person just starting out in life to make these same mistakes.”

The school puts on this production every two years. Fundraisers and city grants made the $16,000 project possible. More than 20 city and county agencies participated.

KESQ is a sponsor.

“Every 15 Minutes” program continues on Wednesday when a mock funeral service will be held on campus.