Sirens and flashing lights filled the Eastlake High School (EHS) parking lot on the morning of May 31. It was only a drill. Juniors and seniors quietly watched a sobering demonstration of what can happen as a result of drunk driving or distracted driving, including texting while driving. Paramedics, firefighters, police officers and a few EHS students acted out a mock car crash, including pretend injuries and deaths, as well as a young drunk driver handcuffed and taken to jail.

After the demonstration, students and emergency personnel discussed what the students watched. The program, presented by Eastside Fire & Rescue, is based on real-life experiences and encourages students to make smart choices. The goal is to make students think carefully about their actions, especially when deciding whether to drink and drive, text while driving, drive recklessly or choosing not to wear a seat belt.

The Eastside Fire & Rescue mock car crash demonstration visits one Lake Washington School District high school each year.