District holds mock DWI to show consequences of drinking and driving

With proms and graduation coming up, Auburn High School students as well as students from Cato-Meridian, Southern Cayuga and Union Springs witnessed a mock DWI accident at the high school on Monday.

Multiple law enforcement and public safety agencies showed what happens during a DWI crash as well as the serious consequences on students' own lives as well as their friends.

Also attending was state Assemblyman John Lemondes (R,C-LaFayette) who believes events like this are imperative to making sure underage drivers are safe and responsible as they travel.

“It seems as if every time you turn on the news, there’s another story about the consequences of underage drinking and driving,” said Lemondes. “As parents, teachers and students it’s time for us to say enough is enough. Events like this are so important for making sure young people have resources and tools at their disposal so they will not find themselves in these dangerous situations. I want to thank the Auburn Police Department, Auburn Fire Department and Auburn High School for putting this event on and keeping our students safe.”

According to New York State Police, underage impaired driving has increased in recent years with more than 5,000 drivers under 21 being arrested for DWI last year. Drunk drivers as a whole cause more than 17,000 deaths each year. That equals 310 funerals each week or one DWI-related death every 30 minutes. Motor vehicle crashes are also the number one cause of death for 15- to 20-year-olds, accounting for 14% of all fatal crashes. 

The Auburn Enlarged City School District is grateful to all who participated in this important event.

• Auburn Police Department
• Cayuga County Sheriff's Office
• New York State Police
• Cayuga County District Attorney's Office
• Auburn Fire Department
• Auburn Ambulance
• Fleming Fire Department
• Owasco Fire Department
• Cayuga County Coroner
• Pettigrass Funeral Home
• White Chapel Funeral Home
• Finger Lakes Towing
• U Pull M
• Auburn Department of Public Works