St. Cloud Students Witness Impact of Drunk Driving in Powerful Mock Crash Ahead of Graduation Season

(KNSI) – As prom wraps up and graduation season starts, students in St. Cloud were given an up-close lesson on the dangers of poor choices, like drinking and getting behind the wheel.

A mock crash was held on Friday afternoon at Tech High School for juniors and seniors. Principal Molly Kensy explained to KNSI News why they hold the event. “To promote awareness around how quickly things can change, and how impulsive decisions can sometimes end dangerously.”

Jake Judd/KNSI News

The mock crash is held every year, alternating between Apollo and Tech. SCPD Officer Rachael Johnson believes that the messages hit home when the students see their peers in peril. “I can say stuff all day long, don’t do this, don’t do this, don’t do this. But, I’m finding that kids- don’t listen to me. I don’t know anything. I’m just a grown up. And so, seeing this with their peers can be so impactful to help them to make good decisions and be safe.”

The scenario depicted a drunk driving accident with one fatality and multiple serious injuries. State Trooper Dave Lahr has been on the other side of the door when delivery the devastating news to loved ones in real life. “Always notifying the families is pretty hard. I just have to tell them bluntly of exactly what happened. And so far, 58 crashes have happened in our state that have been fatal. So we just want to reduce that number as much as possible.”

Those deadly crashes have occurred since the first of the year. Officials hope that students will decide not to drink, but if they do, make sure they find a sober ride home.

The event was sponsored by the St. Cloud Police Department, District 742, St. Cloud Fire Department, Life Link Air Care, Danielson Funeral Home, Finken Water, and Collins Brothers Towing.

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