UP CLOSE — Weir High School seniors watched as local emergency crews responded to a mock crash on the school’s campus Friday morning, helping to reinforce the dangers of drinking and driving. -- Craig Howell

WEIRTON — As schools across the country head into prom season, students at Weir High School were provided with an up-close reminder of the dangers of drinking and driving.

Emergency services, including Weirton police and fire, West Virginia State Police, and Hancock County Ambulance, converged on the Weir High campus Friday morning, responding to a simulated call of a vehicle crash involving four students and a family of four.

It was determined alcohol was involved, and there was at least one fatality and multiple injuries.

“Hopefully, this was a powerful demonstration for you,” Weirton Patrolmen Brandon Palmeri told the students following the demonstration, which showed how emergency crews assess a scene, decide how and when to treat those involved, and the need to cut into a vehicle in order to free the individuals inside.

Palmeri noted, while Friday’s activity was a simulation for the seniors participating, it is very much real life for local police, firefighters, and other emergency responders.

He and Patrolman Stevie Banannio shared some of their experiences responding to crash scenes during their careers, asking the youth to keep in mind the dangers of drinking and driving.

“This is real life for us,” Palmeri said. “We’re tired of seeing it. We don’t want to see it happen.”

The students were encouraged, that if they do decide to drink, they plan to ride with a sober driver or call a family member or friend.

Capt. Gary Hostuttler, of the Weirton Fire Department, noting he recognized several of those in attendance because of his son being a Weir student, said they could even call the fire department.

“I do not want to roll up on a scene and see someone I recognize,” he said.

Hancock County Prosecuting Attorney Steven Dragisich explained his office takes driving under the influence cases seriously, and will prosecute them.

“A lot of people think it’s a victimless crime,” he said, relaying a case on which he recently served as a special prosecutor in Ohio County, where three teens, a month before their graduation, decided to drink before driving the few miles home.

The teen driving the vehicle veered off the road, striking a tree, with one of the passengers receiving fatal injuries.

“It’s real,” Dragisich said. “I’ve seen it too many times.”

Representatives of the Hancock County Ambulance and the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety also spoke to the students.

Nick’s Auto provided the vehicles used in the mock crash, and Greco-Hertnick Funeral Home contributed the use of a casket; acting as a final reminder of the potential effects of drinking and driving.

It was the last of a two-day set of exercises at Weir High, with students on Thursday testing out “drunk goggles” which simulate the effects of intoxication. While wearing the goggles, students attempted to walk, toss a ball, and operate a pedal car.