Mark W. Dubois, Chief of Police
197 Main St.
Maynard, MA 01754
Maynard Fire Department
Anthony Stowers, Fire Chief, EFO/CFO
1 Summer St.
Maynard, MA 01754
For Immediate Release
Tuesday, May 5, 2015
Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 978-841-9948
Email: john@jgpr.net
Maynard Police and Fire Conduct Mock OUI Fatality Crash to Coincide with Prom Safety
MAYNARD — Fire Chief Anthony Stowers and Police Chief Mark W. Dubois announce that the Maynard Police and Fire Departments conducted a simulation of a fatal drunk driving motor vehicle crash in front of an audience of more than 200 Maynard High School juniors and seniors last week.
The department’s goal of the demonstration was to teach automotive safety to students by showing what can actually happen when teens drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, text and drive, or fail to wear their seat belt. The presentation took place on Friday, May 1 at 9 a.m. at the Maynard High School football field.
“With prom season just around the corner, we want to remind our students to have fun while making healthy and responsible decisions.” Chief Dubois said. “Never drink and drive or operate a vehicle while under the influence of prescription drugs. Keep phones away and out of your hands while behind the wheel and always be aware of your surroundings. We hope to see only positive memories come out of prom night.”
Fire Captain Sean Kiley and Police Officer Chris Sweeney organized the simulation, which also served as a valuable training exercise for Maynard Police and Fire officials. Two previously-crashed cars were brought in, with student actors and representatives from ACME Theatre Company playing the victims, suspect and grieving family members.
The exercise illustrated an accident where a driver — operating as if under the influence of prescription drugs and alcohol — rear-ended a car, which then lurched forward, striking and killing a pedestrian
Maynard High School students listened to an audio conversation between the actors right before the crash. There was a simulated fire, and Maynard Firefighters and Paramedics from Emerson Hospital arrived to rescue the victims.
One of the student actors “died” at the scene, and the driver of one of the vehicles was “arrested” for operating under the influence. Parents were also brought in as actors to “react” to their children being injured, arrested, or dying.
At the conclusion, a hearse arrived and carried away the body of the deceased. Firefighters and Public Works crews cleaned blood off the road and towed the crashed cars away.
“The decisions you make now will affect you, your family, and friends for the rest of your life. This demonstration is a graphic and grim reminder of the possible consequences of making a bad decision.” Chief Stowers said. “We urge students to act responsibly before, during and after prom to allow for the best experience for all students.”
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