Drinking and driving can kill a classmate in the blink of an eye.

That was the message driven home to students at Fessenden-Bowdon High School as the North Dakota Safety Council put on a mock car crash for the kids to watch.

Jim Olson reports on the all-too-real scenario played out for the students.

"I am a drunk driver." "I was t-boned by a drunk driver." "I hit a car." "Thrown from the vehicle." "Killed the other person in the car." "Killed." "They'll have to saw the top off to get us out." "I'm already dead."


These are the actors in this play - a staged car crash with a crowd of classmates in the grandstand to watch.

(Terry Weaver, ND Safety Council) "What we're trying to do is educate young drivers to the consequences of risky driving behaviors." (Radio message) "Motor vehicle accident with two vehicles. There are four injured."


The simulated radio call went out to local first responders - and the local sheriff's deputy, Highway Patrol officer, EMTs, and more were quickly on the scene - set up at the Wells County fairgrounds.

(Jeff Bauske, ND Highway Patrolman) "Drinking and driving is a problem in the state and it's not uncommon to have this happen."


Quickly, officers check the scene to make sure it's safe for emergency responders to do their work. And just as quickly, those responders dive in - assessing the boy thrown from the car and, realizing he is dead, moving on to help the three people in the other car - two of whom are trapped. While workers pry open the wrecked car, a highway patrolman tests the driver for alcohol.

(Jeff Bauske, ND Highway Patrolman) "Can you see the tip of my pen?"


And, ultimataely, arrests him for being drunk behind the wheel.

(Jeff Bauske, ND Highway Patrolman) "You're under arrest for driving under the influence."


Meanhwile, the roof of the car has been pryed loose, and help can get to the two kids inside. The actors say they hope their peers get the message.

(Kelby Houchin, Fessenden Senior) "Hopefully it gets the point across better to kids if they see some of their classmates out here." (Kolten Knodel, Fessenden Senior) "Hopefully it will teach the kids a lesson."


A lesson that might save them from being the victims in the next tragic crash on our state's highways. In Fessenden, Jim Olson, KX News.

In addition, Fessenden will host a four-hour defensive driving course called Alive at 25 for students in November. watch the video | save this article / add to your favorites list