Simulated DUI Sends Strong Message to NMHS Seniors

While one teen was pronounced dead, and two were fighting for their life, New Milford firefighters cut off the top of the crushed car to extract the teens who had been involved in the fatal crash caused by a drunk driver who lost control of the car and drove it full speed into one of the trees in front of New Milford High School.

Watching the events take place it was hard to remember that this was a simulated event and not a real tragedy. Seniors watched in rapt attention as firefighters cut open the car to help the ambulance workers extract the teens from the wreck. They watched as police officers questioned the driver and gave him field sobriety tests. They watched as the driver could not perform the simplest tests of balance. They watched as he fought cops only to be put to the ground and restrained as his wrists were handcuffed.

Doreen Zacher, the district’s Student Assistance Coordinator and Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB) specialist, coordinates this annual DUI simulation the day before prom so that the students think twice before they decide to take that drink. The New Milford Police Department, Fire Department and Ambulance Corps. take part in this simulated exercise. 

"I want them to see the real consequences of how one bad choice can change the course of their entire life," Zacher said. "It's a very powerful and effective program."

As sirens blared and emergency vehicles sped to a screeching stop in front of New Milford High School, the students stood intently watching--there was no texting, no talking, no movement. 

"I've seen too many of these accidents really happen," Police Chief Frank Papapietro said. "I've had to deliver messages to parents that their child was involved in an accident just like this one."

"Whatever we can do to make our kids aware of what can happen to them if they drink and drive, or get into a car with a driver who has been drinking, we will do," Papapietro said. 

One student commented, "After seeing this, I don't want to go near alcohol. That was so scary."

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