A mock car accident was held at Washington High School to teach students about the dangers of driving under the influence. Photos by Sally Y. Hart

Sirens could be heard by Washington High School Wednesday morning where officials held a mock fatal car accident with a driver under the influence. Emergency crews from the area responded and assisted at the assembly of students.

Washington Police Officer Shawn Ellingson spoke at the event and told students to imagine themselves at the scene, waiting for help, with possible injuries or the person in the seat next to you with injuries. A four-door gray car t-boned an SUV in the middle of an intersection. The passengers of the SUV had just left prom. Firefighters had to use the Jaws of Life to extricate the driver of the SUV who was not responsive, while police questioned the driver of the sedan.

Ellingson went on to explain that the driver seemed to be impaired, but passed a breathalyzer test. By the work of the police officers, she was found to be under the influence of marijuana and was arrested. A mock trial was then held at the high school.

Washington Police Department, Washington Rescue, Washington County Ambulance, Washington Fire Department, and Iowa State Patrol assisted with the mock wreck.

Washington’s prom will be held this Saturday at Washington High School.