Craig Howell GIVING AID – Weirton firefighters tend to a “patient” as part of a mock DUI-related crash exercise held on the campus of Weir High School Wednesday morning. The exercise, organized by the Weirton Police Department, with assistance from the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety and other local first responders, was offered ahead of the school's prom this weekend to warn of the dangers of drinking and driving.

WEIRTON – With their prom approaching this weekend, Weir High students received a simulated reminder Wednesday morning of the real-life dangers of drinking and driving.

Emergency services personnel, including representatives of the Weirton Police Department, Weirton Fire Department, Hancock County Ambulance, Hancock County Sheriff’s Department, and HealthNet Aeromedical Services, responded to the high school’s campus to a simulated call of a two-vehicle crash.

The crash, found to have involved alcohol, resulted in one fatality and two injuries, officials on the scene reported to students gathered around to watch as the situation was assessed.

Firefighters used extraction tools to dissect the vehicles and remove those trapped inside, while a medical helicopter hovered above the field of Jimmy Carey Stadium. A field sobriety test was administered to one individual, who was later taken into custody.

“This is what we have to deal with when someone makes the stupid decision to drink and drive,” explained Weirton Police Sgt. Brandon Palmeri. “This is real life stuff.”

Wednesday’s demonstration capped off two days of activities at the school, held in an effort to encourage local teens to think and act responsibly, not just during their upcoming prom events, but at any point when alcohol may be involved.

Palmeri encouraged the youth to always make sure they have a sober driver, to be willing to take someone’s keys from them if they have been consuming alcohol and not let them drive, or to call a parent or guardian if they no longer feel comfortable in the situation.

“Have a safe word with them,” he said, advising the teens to come up with a signal to alert their parents if they want to leave a party without bringing attention to themselves.

Weirton Fire Capt. Gary Hostuttler noted his three sons have all attended Weir High, and, through them as well as his own involvement with local youth sports and community groups, he recognizes many of those students who were observing Wednesday.

“We don’t want to do this for real,” Hostuttler told them. “I do not want to see this. It’s our worst nightmare.”

Members of the flight crew from HealthNet, out of Morgantown, explained they often see an increase in DUI-related crashes in April and May, as various celebrations are taking place, noting many of those they care for are passengers or someone in another vehicle, not necessarily the ones who have been drinking.

Other activities held this week involved students attempting to carry out tasks while wearing “DUI goggles,” or while driving carts or simulators which mimicked an individual being intoxicated.

Palmeri encouraged the students to remember what they experienced and witnessed, and to take it with them throughout their lives.

“Remember those sirens today,” he said. “Don’t be a statistic.”

(Howell can be contacted at chowell@weirtondailytimes.com)