OXFORD – Oxford High School, along with other schools throughout the county, sponsored a mock accident in order to educate students about the dangers of drinking and driving. Oxford’s presentation occurred on Friday, May 9 outside of the school and the fire departments from Oxford, McDonough, Greene, Brisben and Preston all responded.

“We thought maybe it would help with the impact,” said Ellen Ross, a volunteer at the Oxford fire department. “Both fire and EMS explorers are helping out.”

Students were not aware of the mock accident until they were called out to a road next to the school. An old car and SUV were set up as if the car had broadsided the SUV at high speed. Per the narration later on, the driver of the car had been drinking.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, “Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for U.S. teens. In 2010, seven teens ages 16 to 19 died every day from motor vehicle injuries.”

The website explains that teenagers are less likely to recognize dangerous situations and, therefore, participate in more dangerous activities.

“In 2010, 22 percent of drivers aged 15 to 20 involved in fatal motor vehicle crashes were drinking,” states the website.