Del Campo Students Get Anti-DUI Message

Students at received a serious message on Wednesday that if you choose to drive while intoxicated, there can be deadly results.

A grim mock fatal crash scene was set up in 's stadium by the California Highway Patrol, Sacramento Metro Fire District representatives and Every 15 Minutes, an organization educating high school students on the dangers of driving while impaired.

(WARNING: The attached images may be disturbing to some viewers.)

The main message is that every 15 minutes someone is killed as a result of an alcohol-related driving collision.

To bring that message home, Del Campo students were selected to participate in the scene, in which an inxtoxicated student, played by Michael Morrison, caused a two-car collision. His passenger, William Bell and a girl in another car, Elizabeth Bowman, were killed and her friend Allie was seriously injured in the scenario.

Students sat in silence as first responders arrived on the scene and Morrison was arrested after having been found guilty of a felony DUI in the scene.

"It's a good message because we're not supposed to be drinking," said Del Campo student Victoria Bernik, 17. "It's a good example for everyone on what can happen to your and your friends."

CHP Officer Lizz Dutton addressed students following the scenario.

"This is about choices and consequences," Dutton said. "This is to show you what the consequences may be."

Sac Metro Fire engineer Kevin Osen, a 1987 Del Campo graduate, also spoke.

"We're hoping you're going to take this message home and not drink and drive," Osen said. "If you choose to drink, get a designated driver because it's not worth it."

Del Campo officials didn't address students at the assembly but said the school holds the Every 15 Minutes event every four years.

"The value is that it gives kids a visual perspective of what can happen when you make poor choices such as drinking or texting and driving," said principal Vera Vaccaro. "Students may feel invisible but if we can influence at least 20 to 30 kids, it's worth it."

"I encourage kids to make good decisions," Vaccaro said. "Especially with graduation coming up, kids will be celebrating and hopefully everyone does it safely."

An assembly is scheduled for Thursday at Del Campo with testimonials from parents who have lost children in DUI crashes.

"It's a lot to think about," Bernik the student said. "It's very sad."

A similar event was held in 2011 at in Fair Oaks.

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