Mock Crash at Portsmouth High School Highlights Distracted Driving Danger

PORTSMOUTH, RI—The horrific and sometimes fatal consequences of distracted driving is something that keeps parents up at night, especially mothers and fathers who serve as firefighters, EMTs and police officers.

First responders know first-hand how devastating—and preventable—distracted driving crashes are, since they are the ones who have to pull victims from the wreckage and notify family members when tragedy strikes.

On Tuesday, students at Portsmouth High School will get a closer look at what happens when distracted driving results in a crash, complete with a helicopter landing, smashed up cars and a dramatic reenactment designed to serve as a wake up call.

The effort is a collaboration between local first responders, Ray's Towing, Jack's Salvage and Auto Parts, the state Medical Examiner's Office and Boston MedFlight. And the brainchild and coordinator of the event is Aidan O'Brien, a student at the school working toward completing his senior project requirement.

O'Brien, the son of Portsmouth Fire Department Deputy Chief Michael P. O'Brien, secured help from Boston MedFlight and modeled the program after their SafeTeens Program to deliver an effective presentation.

According to a survey conducted by O'Brien, 86 percent of his fellow students engage in some form of distracted driving.

“This event allows our school community, along with our community of first responders to understand that a car crash can have a serious, long lasting impact on our school, families, friends, classmates, and community. Hopefully, my classmates will see how easily an accident can happen. Hopefully, they will see how these accidents can be easily avoided," O’Brien said. “I am so grateful to the many people who gave of themselves to make this project work; I am especially grateful to my team. We should all be proud of our roles in trying to protect our students.”

Residents are being reminded not to be alarmed by the activity at the school Tuesday morning. The event is not open to the public and unauthorized people will be turned away. The sight of emergency vehicles along with the helicopter landing might spark concerns but it is to enhance the visceral intensity of the program.

Facilitators from Boston MedFlight will guide students through a productive discussion about the dangers of distracted driving. School guidance counselors and staff will be made available to students to assist with any emotional reaction that may occur during the event.

Participating agencies, in addition to Boston MedFlight, include the Portsmouth Fire Department, the Portsmouth Police Department, faculty and staff of Portsmouth High School, and the Rhode Island Medical Examiner’s Office. Jack's Salvage & Auto Parts and Ray's Towing Service have assisted with the positioning and transport of the crash vehicles. Numerous citizens, organizations, and businesses have also donated more than $3000 to the project to offset the cost of delivering the program. Fire Chief Michael Cranson has served as Mr. O’Brien’s project mentor.

Photo: From Left to right: Nolan O’Brien, Deputy Chief Michael O'Brien, and Aidan O’Brien.