BHS Prepares for Mock Accident and 'Grim Reaper Day'

On Monday, April 29, students at Bedford High School will bring life to the statistic "every 53 minutes a life is lost as a result of an impaired driving crash," by observing a "Grim Reaper Day," according to Principal Henry Turner. 

Led by BHS peer leaders, students will recognize the statistic with an announcement made throughout the school during the last five minutes of every period describing a stituation in which a BHS student has been lost in a fictional impaired driving accident, Turner said.

Juniors and seniors will also be experiencing a mock accident on Monday, a biennial event at the school which incorporates the accident, response scene management and a memorial service for the victim, according to Turner. 

The accident is aimed at demonstrating the aftermath of an impaired driving accident on the victim of the crash, the victim's family and the potential ramifications for the driver, according to Turner. 

"We believe that this is an important day for students to learn about the realities of when people choose to drive under the influence  of alcohol or drugs and/or while driving while distracted," Turner said. 

Turner said the BHS Peer Leaders have taken the iniative with Grim Reaper Day and the mock accident, trying to make the entire day a reminder of the importance of decision making when it comes to impaired driving.

"The Peer Leaders have really taken on this idea of decision making and having the entire day serve as a reminder and to educate people," Turner said. "They want to make it real by having it be an entire day."

In the email, Turner acknowledged that it would be an emotional day for many students, and reassured parents there would be support available for any students who need it on Monday.

" The Peer Leaders have discussed the purpose and logistics of this day all week with students through BHS Live," Turner said. "If you are concerned about your child experienceing this day please contact your child's guidance counselor and they will work with you and your child about ways to best support them on the 29th."  

Turner said it's important to hold an event that emphaisizes the dangers of impaired driving this late in the school year.

"Junior and Senior Prom is coming up and a lot sophomores are getting their liscenses," Turner said. "It's just a good time of year to have a reminder of the dangers of impaired driving."

Many sophomore parents have emailed asking for permission for their children to attend the mock accident, Turner said, and the school is looking for a way to accomodate these students.