By Kaity Sample Posted May 26, 2015
The Every 15 Minutes program is an organized event all around the world for teens and parents to witness a staged crash and the real emotions that come with death. The program is to teach people worldwide the dangers of driving while under the influence and texting while driving.
“Reading my letter to the crowd really got to me. All the emotions in the gym put together added to the effect,” said junior participant Megan Villareal.
The program came to Lowry to teach the local kids and parents. Humboldt General Hospital teamed up with the Winnemucca Police Department to stage two vehicles that collided due to a drunk driver. EMTs responded as if the accident was really happening in real time. The next day May 20, all juniors and seniors gathered in the gym for the funeral.
Multiple EMTs and Dr. Perkinson talked to the crowd about the reality of drinking and driving. Danny Maddox, a guest speaker, also shared the story of his brother who died in a drunk driving accident. He shared the emotions and feelings he expressed when he lost his loved one.
To conclude, the students involved in the staged accident read letters to their parents explaining how they died and apologizing for their actions.
