Officials to stage fatal car crash to caution Pasadena teens of the dangers of DUI

PASADENA >> Officials plan to stage an elaborate and realistic-looking car crash scene in front of La Salle High School Thursday to educate teens on the dangers of drinking and driving ahead of next week’s prom, authorities said.
The “Every 15 Minutes” program will take place beginning at 8 a.m. Thursday, and will require the closure of eastbound SIerra Madre Boulevard from Hastings Ranch Road to Michillinda Avenue through 10:30 a.m., Pasadena police Lt. Pete Hettema said in a written statement.
“A realistic mock fatal collision will be staged in front of the school on Sierra Madre Boulevard, just west of Michillinda Avenue,” Hettema said. “Students will be directed to the collision scene and view participating fellow students involved in the ‘tragedy,’”
Members of the public are invited to observe the mock crash scene, as well.
“Over the course of two days, students will experience the ‘grim reaper’ of death, staged loss of fellow classmates and family grief as student participants and their families share their obituaries and deepest thoughts on the subject of drinking and driving,” Hettema said.
In addition to Pasadena police, the Pasadena Fire Department, the Los Angeles County Department of Coroner and Huntington Hospital will take part in the demonstration. A similar demonstration is held at a Pasadena High School annually.
The program began in 1995, when officials noted there was a DUI-related fatality every 15 minutes.
Since then, organizers said, that statistic has been reduced to one death every 51 minutes.
Funding is bring provided by State Farm Insurance.

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