The call came across the radio of a head-on collision with multiple injuries. The Sedona Fire District and Sedona Police Department arrived on the scene to find several bloodied victims crying and screaming, wondering what just happened.
Then there was the young woman who had gone through the windshield due to the impact, barely clinging to life. While crews attended to her, another young man, bloodied, dazed and confused, was taken away in handcuffs.
Fortunately, this was just a mock accident organized by the national program Every 15 Minutes. But this scenario plays out daily across the country with victims and drunk drivers of all ages.
On Thursday, April 25, the entire student body from Sedona Red Rock High School witnessed the mock accident on the school’s baseball field. The following day, the juniors and seniors — who were preparing for prom and graduation — took part in the mock trial and funeral.
SFD’s Capt. Jeff Wassell, who oversees the Sedona program, said he was pleased with how everything went at the mock accident.
“From the reaction of the students, I feel they took it seriously,” he said. “I didn’t hear any snickering or laughing from them. I feel they were very engaged. This is a mock situation but it shows that it can happen to any of them. It’s a real eye-opening experience. They get to see everything that can happen from drinking and driving.”
Senior Hayli Sizelove volunteered to play the part of the deceased victim. She survived the accident but “died” in the emergency room later that day.
“It was certainly unlike anything I have ever done before,” she said. “It was hyper-realistic. I think it’s good they do this right before prom and graduation. Hopefully it kind of traumatizes everyone to not drink and drive. Instead of having a stranger standing onstage telling you not to drink and drive, watching your friend die is a lot different.”
She knew the next day at her mock funeral would be a difficult one for her and her parents.
“It’s already been tough on them,” she said. “It’s every parent’s worst nightmare. It’s going to be tough for everyone.”
After being transported to the Sedona Police Station, Sebastian Byrdez, the driver who caused the accident, was given a Breathalyzer test registering a .211 blood alcohol content, which is considered extreme DUI. It was then that he was told that his friend in the accident he caused did not survive.
“It was really interesting,” the senior said afterwards. “When it started going and I was being tested [for DUI] and then handcuffed and put in the car, it felt real. Having all the first responders really gives the impression of it really happening. It definitely resonated with me that this is something I never want to experience.”
He also said he hoped his fellow students felt the same way.
“I saw this when I was a sophomore, but it was definitely a different situation experiencing it firsthand,” he said. “The possibility of ending somebody’s life — it’s just not worth it. Drinking and driving can ruin your life forever. A human being’s life is such a big deal, so it’s hard to imagine taking that.”
Natalie Byrdez said she knew her son’s role in the program, but it was still quite the shock being called to the police department and seeing her son behind bars.
“It was heartbreaking,” she said. “Knowing that your child ‘killed’ somebody as a result of one bad decision is horrible. I was nervous because I anticipated how I was going to feel and I knew it would pull on my heartstrings. I know tomorrow is going to be really difficult, especially when I see the other parents of the girl who died.”
Sedona Police Chief Charles Husted said the Every 15 Minutes program brings critical awareness to teens that they are not invincible and tragedy can happen at any moment, particularly when alcohol and other intoxicating substances are involved.
“My hope is that our youth learn the importance of making responsible choices, especially when it comes to alcohol, and understand the potential for life changing consequences when bad decisions are made,” he said. “I am also hopeful that parents and guardians use the Every 15 Minutes program as a foundation for honest discussions with their children regarding drinking and driving.”
Ron Eland can be reached at 282-7795, ext. 122 or by email at reland@larsonnewspapers.com
