VIDEO: Students scared safe at Jefferson

• Calling

A mock car crash participant played her role to the hilt, screaming for help on a cell phone while frantically checking on the condition of others who were “injured” in the crash. A video and slideshow are available online at echopress.com. (Photo by Lowell Anderson)
• Body bag

A body bag delivered a sobering message to students who watched a staged car crash at Jefferson High School last Thursday. (Photo by Lowell Anderson)

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• Slide show

Jefferson High School students saw a sobering sight on Thursday at the school’s dramatization of a mock car crash.

Loni Kjos of Alexandria delivered a stern message to the kids: “Buckle up.” Kjos’ daughter, Kelsey, was killed in a crash in 2004.

A video precursor to the crash aftermath was viewed in the school gymnasium before the spectators went outside to the parking lot where teens acted out a fatal scene. One student was airlifted by helicopter, another was taken away in a body bag.

All actors returned after the end-scene to recount how the experience changed their perspective on distracted driving, texting, speeding and not wearing seat belts while driving.

The Douglas County Safe Communities Coalition, local law enforcement and EMS worked with the school to bring the event to life. Since 2006, 12 teenagers have been killed on Douglas County roads – five in February of this year alone.

Tags: local news, mock crash, seat belts, news, students, video, multimedia