Chief James M. Spinney
2 Olde North Road
Chelmsford, MA 01824
For Immediate Release
Thursday, May 23, 2019
Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net
Photos: Chelmsford Police Demonstrate Dangers of Drunk Driving With Mock Crash Display
CHELMSFORD – Police Chief James Spinney reports that the Chelmsford Police Department held its yearly simulation of a fatal automobile crash at Chelmsford High School today.
The annual event is designed to demonstrate the serious dangers of drinking and driving as many of the juniors and seniors in the audience are getting behind the wheel alone for the first time and looking ahead to school dances and summer vacation.
During the event, two cars were placed together as if they had crashed. Student actors then portrayed a drunk driver and passengers, including one who was not wearing their seat-belt and was ejected from the vehicle and killed in the crash.
Police, firefighters and EMS personnel were on scene to simulate the response to and investigation of the mock crash. The friends of the deceased mock victim reacted to the tragedy unfolding around them, while one of the drivers was placed under arrest after police determined they were intoxicated.
Finally, a hearse came to carry away the body of the deceased victim as the students looked on.
“You can’t overstate the importance of being safe and making smart decisions,” Chief Spinney said. “This event is a realistic and powerful reminder for students of just how significant an impact one poor choice — like the choice to drink and drive — can have on their lives and the lives of others.”
At the conclusion of the crash demonstration, students returned to the school auditorium for an in-depth discussion of the importance of responsible decision making.
The simulation was the result of a partnership of the Chelmsford Police and Fire Departments, Chelmsford Public Schools, Trinity EMS, Greater Lowell Paramedics, Dolan’s Funeral Home, and Christopher’s Towing. Maura Devaney, a CHS health teacher and Christine Lima, a guidance counselor, organize the event every year.
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