Upper St. Clair Students Witness Mock DUI Crash

There was complete silence amongst the normally chatty students on Monday at Upper St. Clair High School as they witnessed a mock, yet powerful, fatal DUI crash.

It's the first time in 20 years the high school organized the event for the students around prom season.

This year, students will be eating dinner at the site of the prom—the Hilton Garden Inn Southpointe—and officials expect more kids will be driving to the event instead of taking a limo for a short time.

"We're hoping that this sends the seniors a message and that it's well received," said Dr. Bill Rullo, guidance counselor.

If Monday's simulation doesn't do the trick, the school bells will be switched to tolling bells on Tuesday, representing the actual amount of people who die in drunk driving crashes during the duration of a school day.

A pickup truck that a drunk driver actually died in will also be sitting next the the high school this week to promote responsible decision making.

Upper St. Clair police, Upper St. Clair volunteer firefighters and the Tri-Community South EMS all took part in Monday's event.

The student actors were Hannah Lane, Genny Tankosich, Dan Finkel and Ryan Harding.

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