It’s one of those things where your mind tells you it’s not real, but your eyes and ears tell you otherwise.
The nationwide Every 15 Minutes program — designed to bring awareness to the consequences of teenage drinking and driving has been a mainstay in Sedona for more than a decade. The event, which rotates with Mingus Union High School in Cottonwood, will be held at Sedona Red Rock High School on April 25 and 26.
According to the organization’s website, “The Every 15 Minutes Program offers real-life experience without the real-life risks. This emotionally charged program is an event designed to dramatically instill teenagers with the potentially dangerous consequences of drinking alcohol and texting while driving. This powerful program will challenge students to think about drinking, texting while driving, personal safety and the responsibility of making mature decisions when lives are involved.”
Sedona Fire District Capt. Jeff Wassell oversees the event and works with the students taking part. In all, SFD’s participation dates back to 2005.
“There are a lot of amazing programs out there that deal with drinking and driving,” he said. “This one is designed to get kids thinking about it just prior to prom and
graduation. It refreshes their memories of the consequences related to drinking and driving. They’re human and, therefore, not invincible, as many feel at that age. Things can change in the blink of an eye.”
The first day there is a mock DUI accident on the high school’s baseball field involving those students taking part in the program. First responders arrive on the scene within minutes to tend to the victims and arrest the driver of one vehicle. Wassell said the parents of those who have been injured, arrested or killed are asked to have their phone ready for a call from the police department. If called, they are asked to come to the school as soon as possible. However, they are not told their child’s exact role.
Two years ago, Tina Hawes’s daughter, Xan, played one of the victims who later “died” at the hospital. She said it’s something she will never forget.
“Despite expectations about participating in the Every 15 Minutes program, I was unprepared for the shockingly realistic experience,” Tina Hawes said. “The program might be simulated, but the raw emotions displayed by the parents and students involved were very real. I hope it was as impactful for the community as it was for my family.”
The accident scenario is attended by the entire student body. The following day, only juniors and seniors gather in the Sedona Performing Arts Center for the mock trial of the teen driver, followed by the very emotional mock funeral. In the past, two students died during the accident but this year there will be just one. That parent is given a simple — yet painfully realistic — question to answer. “Today, mom and dad, I died. What did you not get to tell me?” Then, from behind the stage curtain, the student reads a letter to their family and friends.
“We want this to be emotional for everyone,” Wassell said. “We’re hoping the result is that more kids will be the ones to bring up the topic of drinking and driving with their parents because too often they say, ‘My kid wouldn’t do that.’”
Ron Eland can be reached at 282-7795, ext. 122 or by email at reland@larsonnewspapers.com
