Mt. Juliet, Tenn. – A reality-based portrayal of a car crash and the subsequent response by first responders, emergency medical personnel, and law enforcement will take place tomorrow morning at 9:00 a.m. at Mt. Juliet High School. A joint-effort with the school’s HOSA – Future Health Professionals class, Mt. Juliet Police Department, Fire Department of Mt. Juliet, Wilson County Sheriff’s Department, Wilson County EMA, and Vanderbilt LifeFlight will bring the dangers of distracted driving to reality, just days before prom and in reflection of Distracted Driving Awareness month.
Photo of 2015 Mock Crash at MJHS
The purpose of this exercise is to impress upon students the serious consequences of driving while distracted. The students will receive firsthand experience of exactly what they could be responsible for, including killing someone, possibly one of their friends, as well as being arrested for crimes as serious as vehicular homicide. In addition, the mock crash is also a reminder for parents and guardians to talk to their teens about the consequences of bad driving behavior. According to a NHTSA study, ten percent of all drivers 15 to 19 years old involved in fatal crashes were reported as distracted at the time of the crashes. Teens are the largest proportion of drivers who were distracted at the time of the crashes.
Photo of 2015 Mock Crash at MJHS
The crash will take place on Golden Bear Gateway, directly in front of Mt. Juliet High School. Therefore, Golden Bear Gateway will be closed between Stonehollow Way and Woodridge Place from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. for the exercise. During the simulated response, the public should expect to see emergency vehicles and a medical helicopter in the area of Mt. Juliet High School.
Hamblen’s Wrecker Service of Mt. Juliet is providing the crashed vehicle for the exercise, which involves a distracted driver running off the roadway and striking a tree.
Media is welcome to attend the event and should contact MJPD’s Lt. Tyler Chandler so accommodations can be made.
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