Photos: Reenactment of fatal accident sends powerful message to OA seniors about drinking and driving

The message was clear at the end of a drunk driving exercise conducted for seniors in Oakfield, Alabama, on Friday: No one wants to be involved in an accident like this one – one in which a drunk driver is involved in an accident that kills a young person.

Firefighter Chad Hilchey said they affect everyone. He came home crying after responding to fatal accidents.

OA Superintendent John Fisgus told the seniors on the morning of their prom that he wanted them to have fun, but also to get home safe. He said everyone involved in the drill – Oakfield Fire, Alabama Fire, Mercy Flight, the sheriff’s office and the coroner – were there because they cared about the students. Fisgus called them his family and said while he wanted them to have fun tonight, he wasn’t looking forward to it. None of the teachers and principals are. They know they won’t sleep that night for fear of getting a call they don’t want to get.

Photos by Howard Owens.