Hancock County, W. Va. ( WTRF Senior students at Weir High School took part in and observed a simulated DUI accident on Friday morning to understand the severe repercussions of operating a vehicle while intoxicated with alcohol or drugs.
Officer Brandon Palmeri from the Weirton Police Department mentions that they notice more DUI arrests and accidents, particularly during prom season.
The simulation showcased a pretend head-on crash involving four high school students and a family, with multiple individuals sustaining injuries and some fatalities resulting from the incident.
As police, fire, and EMS staff showed up at the location, students observed them starting their rescue operations aimed at saving lives.
They witnessed a fellow student undergoing a mock field sobriety test and being arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence.
“So, all these simulations, we’re really showing them that even something as little as one beer really does impair your ability to operate a vehicle safely. It impairs your ability, impairs all your fine motor skills. At the end of the day, I just want them to make smart choices. Never drive drunk, never drive buzzed, never drive high. Make that phone call. Make sure you have a sober at home plan ahead. If you know that you’re going to be going to a party, there may be some alcohol there, designate a sober driver.”
Brandon Palmeri | Law Enforcement Officer, Weirton Police Department
Following the simulated DUI accident, students convened in the gymnasium to listen to remarks from local figures such as Hancock County’sProsecuting Attorney Steven Dragisich and Melissa Pajak of the Governor's Highway SafetyProgram.
Dragisich recounted a true-story instance of a DUI case he recently handled, while Pajak offered perspectives on highway safety.
On Thursday, the seniors took part in an activity involving "drunken goggles" that simulated various degrees of intoxication.
When sporting the goggles, they attempted to toss a ball to each other and navigate a foot-operated kart around cones arranged inside the gym.
They could notice the impact it had on them as though they were sober compared to when they were slightly drunk.
Brandon Palmeri | Law Enforcement Officer, Weirton Police Department
Palmeri also emphasizes that "true friends don't allow friends to drive under the influence." If an intoxicated person attempts to get behind the wheel, he recommends confiscating their car keys and enlisting help from others.
Through witnessing the harsh realities of driving under the influence, first responders aim to make students reconsider before they decide to get into a vehicle while intoxicated.
The presentation was organized by the Weirton Police Department with support from several organizations such as the Weirton Fire Department, Hancock County Ambulance Service, West Virginia State Police at New Cumberland Barracks, Hancock County 911, and Nick’s Towing Service.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This content must not be republished, distributed, aired, or altered without permission.To get the most recent updates on news, weather, sports, and live videos, visit WTRF.
Post a Comment