THATHER — On Thursday, the Graham County Substance Abuse Coalition conducted a mock DUI accident at John Mickelson Field on Eastern Arizona College’s Thatcher campus to show high school students the effects of DUI.
Coalition director Kathy Grimes said she believes the message was well received.
“I really believe they were listening,” Grimes said. Especially when Mrs. Smith was there and Mr. Perkins was there, I didn’t hear the pin drop.
“So I hope they listen to all the messages sent to them and take those messages and make good choices.”
Students from the Safford, Thatcher, Pima, and Fort Thomas school districts watched first responders detail what happens in a multi-vehicle accident caused by a drunk driver.
A young actor involved with the House of Hope Sober Living Facility played an underage drunk driver wearing make-up to simulate injury and death.
Actor Emily Urista said: “I think it’s really important to let people know not to drink and drive and to wear seatbelts.
After the simulation, the students were informed by County Attorney General Alan Perkins about the consequences of drunk driving, including years of medical treatment, loss of income from court-ordered restitution, and prison sentences.
Participating first responders included Pima, Safford, Thatcher, and the University of Arizona police departments. Pima Fire Station and Thatcher Fire Station. Lifenet; and AirEvac.
