Searcy (LP) Everyone knows that prom night can be very dangerous. Your parents have probably warned you about the dangers of drinking and danger. You might just shrug it off and say it will never happen to you, but there is a chance. This is why Searcy High School has decided to hold a simulation drunk driving car wreck. It is not required, but since Searcy High cares about their students, they want to show the true dangers of drinking and driving.

According to the Center for Disease Control, in 2014 9,967 people were involved in a wreck due to drinking and driving. Of the 1,070 deaths of children from ages 0-14, 209 were due to a drunk driver. On prom night, there was a ninety percent more chance that students thought of drinking and driving according Edgar Snyder and Associates.

Friday, the day before prom, during second and third period, they called all the juniors and seniors out of class to attend the mock wreck. It took up the two class periods and featured some of our teachers and students to really stick the message home.

“I believe that this is a great idea to show our students that they are not invincible,” said instructor Susan Barnes.

Students though see it as an eye-opener. They appreciated the concerned showed by all the school and emergency responders that participated in the wreck.

“It really touched my heart,” said senior Sierra Marsh.

Others felt that it scared them for what could happen. It made them really cautious and wanted to be careful when leaving prom.

“It made me think of others and what could happen,” said senior David De Los Angeles. “I just really do not want to hear or be apart of something that sad.”

Please just remember when you get behind the wheel on prom night: be safe, watch for others, and have fun! Searcy Lionpress would like to wish everyone a Happy Prom!