Pocono News Section

DUI Crash Teaches Lesson in Berwick

DUI Crash Teaches Lesson in Berwick - Tuesday, April 15, 2008 at 5:53PM EST

Reported by: Eric Deabill
Tuesday, Apr 15, 2008 @ 05:53pm EST
BERWICK, COLUMBIA COUNTY - Hundreds of students in Columbia County learned the important lesson of staying sober on prom night Tuesday afternoon. First responders staged a mock DUI accident to highlight the dangers of drinking and driving.

The accident resembled a real emergency, including the jaws of life and life-flight helicopter. For students at Berwick High School, the fake scenario had a real purpose as prom night approaches.

"We hope it shows choices. We want kids to make the right choice when it comes to decision making," Berwick police sergeant Michael Monico said.

Shelby Whitebread was one of the students involved in the crash. She died in the fake scenario when her car was hit by a drunk driver. The scenario was so real, the drunk driver was even hauled off in handcuffs.

"Beforehand, you think it's all fun and games, but now that I'm laying in the car, you see that it's really serious," Whitebread said.

Roughly 600 students witnessed the mock accident. Most say it will make a difference.

"It definately makes me think because you see your own classmates in the situation," high school senior Cassie Zerbe said.

"That could by my friends in that car, either car," high school senior Karleigh Curfman said.

The Berwick Police Department and Berwick Fire Department, along with the school's SADD Chapter sponsored the event with the goal of changing at least one person.

"I don't want to be in that situation. I don't want to kill anyone or put anybody's life in danger," high school senior Nathan Pepper said.

Berwick will hold its prom night on May 17th.